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There are few reliable ways to track a workers’ compensation check. Checks for wage loss benefits are essential for workers after an on-the-job injury. If your check is late or missing, it can cause significant stress, especially if you have not yet received the first check and have missed two weeks or more of work.
Workplace accidents can seriously affect your family’s financial health. If you need help with your workers’ comp claim, did not receive approval, or are having issues with your payment, a Los Angeles workers’ compensation lawyer from KJT Law Group can help. Our team provides free consultations. Call (818) 507-8525 to learn more.
You Should Receive Your First Check Within 14 Days of Your Claim
While the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) provides an option for checking the status of workers’ comp cases, it does not include the ability to track a check. In reality, the only way to know if your payment is on the way is to connect with the insurance company, which should be able to check the case status and whether the check is in the mail.
Once the insurance company approves your workers’ compensation claim, you should receive a check quickly. This time frame is generally within 14 days of your employer learning about your workplace injury, meaning you could get a check without ever missing a pay period.
If you believe the insurer is dragging their feet or you received notification that they are discontinuing your payments, consult a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. There are options, and an attorney will know how to fight for the benefits you deserve. In some cases, just knowing an attorney is representing you can ensure your check gets mailed.
What If My Payment Is Late or Missing?
Unfortunately, late payments are common. Injured workers who cannot work at all should receive checks from the workers’ comp insurer regularly. This is often the same frequency as their normal paychecks from working. You could still continue to get paid every two weeks while you recover.
Late checks could cost the insurance company significant penalties. Just failing to send a check or make a direct deposit within the correct time frame could require an automatic ten percent interest added to the check. The courts can significantly increase these penalties based on the circumstances, too.
If this happens to you regularly or there are concerns about whether your pay will continue, connect with a workers’ compensation lawyer who can review your options.
What If I Get My Workers’ Comp Check, and It’s Wrong?
Sometimes, the check or deposit arrives, and it is not the amount you expected. Knowing what to do in this situation is also important. You want to get any issues with the amount of your check cleared quickly.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits You May Qualify For
First, you must understand what is in a workers’ compensation check. There are four primary benefits available through workers’ compensation insurance. They include:
- Medical care: Your care team will bill the insurer directly, and they should cover the cost of your injury treatment and other necessary care. You should never receive a bill for these expenses.
- Wage loss payments: You should receive a portion of your regular paycheck for each pay period, whether that is weekly or biweekly. Some limits apply to these payments, but it is often around two-thirds of your regular pay.
- Supplemental job displacement benefits: These benefits come in the form of vouchers to pay for education, retraining, and other opportunities.
- Death benefits: These benefits are paid to survivors of those who died from injuries in a workplace accident.
Of these damages, an injured worker generally only receives wage loss benefits through a check or direct deposit. This is the benefit you should receive regularly. If you have questions about the amount, a workers’ compensation attorney can assist you. Many, including our office, offer free consultations with team members.
How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
Workers’ compensation lawyers understand how the applicable laws work, why the insurance company might undervalue your wage loss payments, and how to fix the issue. You do not have to pay anything up front to hire a workers’ comp attorney.
In some cases, an attorney may even help you negotiate a workers’ compensation settlement. This is a lump sum payment you receive all at once instead of getting checks regularly to pay your benefits.
How Workers’ Compensation Works in California
Most workers in California have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. State law requires all businesses with employees to provide this benefit. This means workers have protection from on-the-job injuries from the first time they clock in. There are no criteria or requirements to receive this coverage.
This workers’ compensation policy pays benefits for:
- On-the-job injuries
- Work-related illnesses
- Overuse and chronic use injuries
When a worker gets hurt, they report the incident to their employer. The employer or worker will complete the paperwork to begin a workers’ comp claim. The worker can immediately seek medical care, including treatment and any necessary emergency care. Workers’ comp should pay their related medical bills from the first visit.
The insurance company will assess the workers’ wages and determine their wage loss benefits, also called indemnity benefits. Once they approve the claim, the insurer has 14 days to get the initial payment to the worker. They should continue to receive checks regularly until they can return to work.
Discuss Your Concerns About Your Workers’ Comp Benefits With Our Team
KJT Law Group provides free case consultations for injured workers. We represent workers hurt on the job in Los Angeles and nearby areas. Let us assess your rights and go over tracking your workers’ comp check today. Use the online contact form or dial (818) 507-8525 to get started.
