Workers' Compensation Law Changes

Workers' Compensation in the past has been the responsibility of The State agency now it has been abolished! A new State agency will be responsible for workers’ compensation. The new agency will have the authority to make and enforce rules governing workers’ compensation claims, meaning that we can expect regular changes in how workers’ compensation claims are handled. Even simple things like using the correct form will become more complicated as you must track down the current version.

One of the more significant changes of workers' compensation is the creation of doctors’ networks. Unfortunately, it is the insurance carriers who will create the networks. Insurance companies, not you, will choose which doctors are on the list. Identifying which doctors you can and cannot see may become a problem. In our opinion, the new law gives incentives for doctors to send orkers back to work early, regardless of their condition.

Another significant change is that you are now limited on the number of hearings that can be requested. In the past, it was not uncommon to meet with the State and the carrier at a conference, to see what problems could be worked out. Frequently there were multiple conferences to see if an issue could be resolved, and only if all parties were unable to work anything out would the matter be set for a Final Hearing. With the new limitations, added to workers' compensation, you must prepare as though it will not be worked out, so that you can meet the many deadlines for exchanging documentation and preparing for the Hearing, or it’s very likely you will lose before you even get to the Hearing. It is now more important than ever not to delay in getting a lawyer, even before problems arise.

We expect many more changes throughout the next year, and we do not expect the State or the insurance carrier to regularly keep you informed of the changes. The Ogletree Abbott Law Firm will keep you up-to-date with new rules and laws. We know the new law, keep up with the changes and use our knowledge and experience to protect you. Without a lawyer you are at risk to lose valuable medical and money benefits. Call us for a FREE consultation at 713-223-1234 or 888-434-COMP, even if it’s just to ask a question over the phone. Thanks for calling us. We’re standing by to help you with your workers' comp claims.