Following the approval of your workers’ compensation claim, you may wonder how long it will take to start receiving benefits. The reality is that the timeline for receiving workers’ compensation benefits can vary depending on several factors.
You can better understand what to expect by breaking down the key elements that influence the waiting period.
Initial reporting
The workers’ compensation process begins with reporting your workplace injury to your employer. Once your employer is aware of the incident, they are responsible for initiating the claims process. The company’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier will then conduct a review to assess the validity of your claim.
Medical evaluation
After the approval of your claim, you will need to undergo a medical evaluation to determine the extent of your injury or illness. This evaluation determines the type and amount of benefits you are eligible to receive. The timeframe for this step can vary depending on the availability of medical appointments and the complexity of your case.
Notification
After the insurance provider calculates your benefits, you will receive a notification of approval. The insurer will provide you with details of the amount and frequency of payments. You can expect to start receiving benefits shortly after this notification, usually within a few weeks. However, the exact timeline may vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case.
Data shows that workers’ compensation settlements in the U.S. typically range between $2,000 and $40,000. Many individuals start receiving their benefits within two or three weeks of the injury if they follow all proper procedures.