Standing Up For Workers In Workers’ Compensation Cases
Too often, Delaware employees are unprepared for the prospect of using workers’ compensation. Nobody expects to be hurt at work, but injuries happen every day. The important thing is understanding what to do after a work-related injury.
Our Wilmington workers’ compensation law firm sees many employees who are reluctant to pursue a claim against their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. They feel it’s disloyal to a company to pursue a claim. Because of this, they often don’t receive compensation they deserve. Our attorneys understand your rights under Delaware workers’ compensation law and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Tough Advocates For All Employees
Insurance companies will do their best to pay out as little as possible. This is their business model. Unfortunately, this leaves injured employees stuck with medical bills and returning to work before they’re ready.
Pratcher Krayer LLC stands up for workers’ rights to:
- Payment of medical bills
- Payment of lost wages
- Payment of a lump sum for permanent impairment and disfigurement
- Payment of mileage to and from doctor’s visits
Our lawyers understand how important the healing process can be, especially for major injuries. We spend our time protecting your rights so you can spend yours healing.
Why Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied
Even valid claims can be denied for reasons that have little to do with the merits of your injury. Common reasons include missed deadlines, incomplete medical documentation, disputes about whether the injury was work-related, or accusations of a preexisting condition. Sometimes insurers argue you can return to work sooner than your doctor recommends. A denial is not the end of your claim, it’s often the beginning of the appeals process.
What To Do Immediately After A Denial
If you receive a denial letter, don’t panic and don’t give up. Save the letter, note the stated reasons for denial, and keep every medical record, work restriction, and wage statement. There are strict timelines in Delaware for challenging a denial, so acting quickly matters. Our team can review the denial, identify what evidence is missing or disputed, and file the appropriate petitions to protect your rights.
Appealing Through The Industrial Accident Board
Delaware provides a clear path to contest a denial before the Industrial Accident Board. We gather medical opinions, witness statements, job descriptions, and any surveillance or incident reports the insurer may be using. We prepare you for testimony, cross-examine the insurance company’s experts, and present the strongest possible case for benefits, including medical treatment, wage replacement, mileage, and permanency awards.
Fixing Documentation And Deadline Issues
Many denials stem from technical issues, late notice to the employer, incomplete accident reports, or gaps in medical care. We help correct the record, coordinate with your doctors for detailed reports tying your condition to your job, and ensure all filings meet Delaware’s procedural requirements. Thorough documentation can turn a denial into an approved claim.
When Your Claim Is Partially Approved
Insurers sometimes approve medical bills but deny wage loss, or pay wage benefits at the wrong rate. If your average weekly wage is miscalculated or your work restrictions are ignored, you may be leaving money on the table. We audit your benefits and pursue corrections, back pay, and penalties where the law allows.
Protecting You From Retaliation And Pressure
You shouldn’t have to choose between your health and your job. If you’re being pressured to return to work too soon or discouraged from pursuing benefits, we can intervene. We communicate with the insurer and your employer so you can focus on healing, not negotiations.
Get Help After A Denial, Before Deadlines Pass
A denied workers’ compensation claim can feel overwhelming, but you have options. Call us or send us an email for a free consultation. Our Delaware workers’ compensation lawyers will evaluate your denial, explain your rights under Delaware law, and outline the next steps to move your claim forward.
Experienced Representation You Can Count On
We’ll be there for you when you need us most. Call our office today at 302-566-1796 or send an email to see how we can help throughout your claims process. Your initial consultation is free.
Our lawyers have been representing Delaware workers for years. If the insurance company is being unreasonable, we aren’t afraid to bring a case before the Industrial Accident Board. We know how important it is for you and your family to receive fair compensation from a workplace injury.