What Could Cause a Delay in My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

After a workplace injury, the workers’ compensation system helps you recover lost wages and get the treatment you need. But in Oklahoma, delays can turn a straightforward claim into a frustrating waiting game, especially when bills are piling up.

Knowing what causes and how to address delays can help you get the benefits you’re entitled to sooner. Find out what may be holding up your benefits and how an experienced Oklahoma City workers’ compensation attorney can help resolve it quickly.

Missing or Incomplete Paperwork

Delays often begin with missing or incomplete paperwork. In Oklahoma, workers’ comp claims depend on timely, accurate documentation. Without it, the process grinds to a halt.

Some of the most common paperwork issues include:

Failing to report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
Not submitting CC-Form 3 (First Notice of Claim for Compensation) within one year of the injury.
Missing medical records or wage information.
Absent or incomplete witness statements.

When this information is missing, the insurance company won’t be able to move forward with your claim, leaving your benefits in limbo.

Disputes Over How the Injury Happened

Under Oklahoma law, injuries must be work-related to qualify for workers’ compensation. Insurance companies review the details of a claim to determine whether the incident happened on the job.

They may ask questions such as:

Whether the injury happened on company property or off-site.
If it occurred during a break or personal activity.
Whether the task you were doing was part of your regular work duties.
If there were any witnesses to confirm what happened.

When these questions arise, the insurer may pause your claim while investigators gather evidence, review statements, or request additional documentation.

Disputing the Severity of the Injury

Even when it’s clear the injury happened at work, insurance companies may still downplay how serious it is. They might suggest the condition isn’t as bad as reported or blame it on a pre-existing issue.

Before approving treatment or wage benefits, adjusters may:

Review past medical records to look for similar complaints.
Request an independent provider to evaluate the injury.
Compare current symptoms to previous diagnoses or treatments.
Suggest that treatment is excessive or no longer necessary.

Your claim may remain on hold until they receive additional documentation or a supportive medical opinion.

Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)

When there’s a dispute about your condition, Oklahoma law allows the insurance company to request an independent medical examination (IME). These evaluations may introduce delays such as:

Waiting several weeks for the exam to take place.
Delays in the IME doctor submitting a written report.
Conflicting opinions among providers about maximum medical improvement.
Requiring court intervention to settle medical disagreements.

Each step adds time, keeping your benefits on hold. An Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorney can challenge biased IME findings and push for the court to address disputes promptly.

Delays Caused by Employers

Not all delays come from the insurance company. In some cases, it’s your employer who creates the holdup. They may slow down the process by:

Disputing whether the injury happened on the job.
Claiming the injury resulted from a safety violation.
Arguing that you’re an independent contractor or otherwise exempt.
Failing to cooperate with the insurer or provide necessary documentation.

These disputes can trigger hearings and extend the time it takes to receive your benefits.

Procedural Backlogs and Hearings

Court involvement can extend the workers’ compensation process, especially when backlogs delay hearing dates or rulings. Typical sources of delay at this stage include:

Waiting for a hearing date to be scheduled.
Time needed to prepare and present evidence.
The judge’s review period before issuing a written decision.
Appeals that drag the process out even longer.

Once a claim enters the hearing phase, it may take several weeks, or months before benefits are finalized.

How an Attorney Can Help Keep Your Claim Moving

Waiting for medical and wage benefits can be frustrating, especially when you’re unable to work and have bills to pay. A skilled Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorney can help speed up the process by doing the following:

Preparing and submitting all required paperwork accurately and on time.
Coordinating with your doctors to gather supportive medical records.
Responding to disputes with strong evidence and expert input.
Presenting your case clearly and protecting your rights during hearings.

With the right attorney by your side, the process becomes more manageable, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Steps You Can Take While Waiting

Being proactive while you wait can help keep things from stalling. Here are a few things you can do to keep your claim moving:

Keep copies of medical bills, restrictions, and injury-related documents.
Go to all appointments and follow your doctor’s instructions.
Report any new symptoms or changes in your condition to your doctor and attorney right away.

Small steps like these can help avoid unnecessary setbacks while your claim is under review.

Get Qualified Legal Help With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Delays in Oklahoma’s workers’ comp system can leave injured workers without the care or income they need. At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we identify what’s holding up your claim, communicate with insurers, and take action to get real results.

We recently secured a $140,000 resolution for a workers’ compensation case, and we’re ready to use that same experience for you. With years of handling these claims, our legal team has the insight and skill to help you get the support you deserve after a workplace injury.