Balancing Workers’ Compensation with Private Health Insurance

Workplace injuries can be very serious, often leading to thousands of dollars in medical bills. When you are already dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of the accident, figuring out how to pay for this treatment can be overwhelming.

You may find yourself wondering how your medical bills will be paid and whether your private health insurance will come into play. The good news is that you have options available to you, and understanding this coverage can help you make informed decisions about your care and financial well-being.

Workers’ Compensation Will Cover All Medical Bills After a Work-Related Injury

If you have been injured on the job in Colorado, workers’ compensation should be your first line of defense when it comes to covering medical expenses. Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance is designed to pay for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation. You can also receive benefits to help pay for travel and mileage if you need to seek specialized care away from your home. 

Private Health Insurance Can Step in If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied

In some cases, your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. This is where your private health insurance can help pay for the medical treatment that you need. Whether you have coverage through an employer-sponsored plan or an individual policy, your health insurance can step in to cover your medical bills.

It is important to note that if your workers’ comp claim is eventually approved, your health insurance company may seek reimbursement for the medical expenses they covered in the meantime. This is known as subrogation, and a Denver workers’ compensation attorney can help you navigate this process.

Why Would Workers’ Compensation Deny a Claim?

There are several reasons why your workers’ compensation claim might be denied, even if you have a legitimate work-related injury. Some common causes for denial include:

• Your employer disputes that your injury happened at work or is related to your job duties.
• You failed to report your injury to your employer within the required timeframe.
• You did not seek medical treatment promptly after the injury occurred.
• The insurance company believes that your injury is pre-existing or not as severe as you claim.

If you find yourself in this situation, you have the right to appeal the insurer’s decision. This may involve a hearing and often requires significant amounts of evidence, but an attorney can help guide you through the process and build a compelling claim. 

Speak with a Denver Workplace Injury Attorney Who Can Advocate for You

Dealing with a work-related injury is stressful enough without having to worry about insurance denials and medical bills. In these situations, enlisting the support of a Denver workplace injury lawyer can make a major difference in your case. An attorney can guide you through every step of the process and build the strongest possible claim for the benefits that you are entitled to receive.

Your lawyer will begin by thoroughly investigating your case and gathering evidence to support your claim. Then, they will help you prepare and file all paperwork accurately and on time. If your claim is denied, your Denver workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the appeals process and work to get your medical expenses covered. To learn more about your options and path forward, schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer today.