Many Alaska workers who are hurt on the job hope that their insurer approves their benefits so they can get started on the road to recovery. However, sometimes an insurer may not agree on how much you receive in benefits or if you should receive anything at all. If so, you have the right to contest this decision and to have legal representation while doing so.
The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development explains what happens when an insurer does not agree to provide an injured worker with benefits. A worker in this situation has the right to request a hearing before the Alaska Workers’ Compensation Board to appeal the decision. To do so, a worker must file a Form 07-6016. This claim should be filed within two years of sustaining an injury.
However, not all workers understand their options going into a dispute, which is why you have the right to retain an attorney during the insurer dispute. Some workers handle their issue directly with an insurer and work out an agreement to receive benefits. In other cases, a worker requests a Board hearing. An attorney may assist in negotiating with an insurer or presenting the case of a worker in a hearing.
A Compromise and Release Agreement (C&R) is another area where legal counsel is important. Once a worker is medically stabilized, the worker may settle benefit rights with an insurer by agreeing to a C&R. However, you may need an attorney to understand everything stated in the C&R. The Board will approve a C&R if you have representation, but if you do not, the Board will have to judge whether the C&R fairly meets your best interests. This could delay the resolution of your case.
This is just one area of the dispute process that you might need assistance with. No matter the stage of your workers’ comp process, you have the right to legal counsel. It may make the difference in resolving a dispute with an insurance company, resolving a denied claim, or handling a dispute over how much you may receive in benefits.
