What to Do When a Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster Stops Returning Your Calls
You filed your workers’ compensation claim, and now your calls and emails go unanswered. Days turn into weeks, and you still do not know the status of your benefits. This is not just frustrating. It can be a deliberate tactic.
Silence often means your claim is being deprioritized or managed in ways that benefit the insurer. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer explains your rights and what to do when communication breaks down.
Florida Law Gives You Specific Rights When a Workers’ Comp Adjuster Goes Silent
Under Section 440.20 of the Florida Statutes, workers’ compensation insurers must begin paying disability benefits or deny a claim within three weeks (21 days) of receiving notice of an injury. Delays beyond those deadlines can entitle you to additional penalties and interest.
Adjuster silence is not a gray area and can constitute a bad-faith claims handling practice under state law. The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation gives injured workers the right to file complaints against carriers who fail to respond or meet statutory deadlines. If your adjuster has gone quiet, these are warning signs that your claim may be in trouble:
- Your first wage-replacement check is late or has not arrived, without explanation.
- A medical appointment or referral has not been approved or denied for more than two weeks.
- You have received no written notice of claim acceptance or denial within the required timeframe.
- The adjuster has changed without anyone notifying you.
- Your calls get routed to a general number with no direct contact assigned to your file.
Rather than continue waiting for the claims adjuster to respond, take immediate action to protect your rights to benefits.
Actions Injured Fort Lauderdale Workers Can Take When Insurance Adjusters Don’t Respond
When filing a Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation claim, not hearing from an insurance adjuster could delay your medical coverage, replacement income, and other benefits. To protect your rights, take these steps:
- Request in writing the name and contact information of the adjuster’s direct supervisor and the claims manager.
- Send an email or a certified letter to the adjuster and their supervisor, documenting your attempts to contact them.
- Contact your employer’s human resources department in writing to report the breakdown in communication.
- Consider filing a complaint with the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation if your benefits are late or if your claim isn’t addressed within the required timeframe.
An experienced South Florida workers’ compensation lawyer can contact the carrier directly and compel a response. Getting professional legal help often moves stalled claims faster than anything else.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
The Law Offices of David M. Benenfeld, P.A., has the knowledge, experience, and legal skills needed to help injured workers in South Florida get the benefits they deserve. If you are dealing with insurer delay tactics and a lack of communication, contact us right away.
Our Fort Lauderdale workers’ compensation lawyer can step in and get your claim moving again. Request a consultation in our Sunrise, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm Beach office.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0440/Sections/0440.20.html