Many hurt workers have trouble getting their workers' compensation insurance benefits. Those benefits include a disability wage and payment of medical treatment expenses. In addition, some hurt workers may have a permanent injury. In that case, they are rightfully owed a lump-sum payment. While there are procedures in place for dealing with denied claims, some hurt workers are unable to work and are desperate for help. The below forms of coping may help some workers while their claims are being disputed.

Legal Help During the Process

When you have problems with a claim, your state of residence will have a way of dealing with it. You can, for example, ask for a second opinion after being ordered to go back to work after a medical exam.

Denied claims are subject to several levels of appeals, all of which can take months to accomplish. Unfortunately, most workers have only a little knowledge about workers' compensation laws. Workers' compensation lawyers understand how the laws work, how various insurance carriers operate, and what to do to get your claim paid. In most cases, legal help is paid for using the proceeds from a workers' comp settlement. In the meantime, take a look at some help for hurt workers with pending and disputed workers' comp claims.

Unemployment Benefits

If you are unable to work at your job because of an on-the-job injury or illness, your state's unemployment agency might be able to help. Unemployment benefits can take some time to begin so be sure to apply as soon as you know your workers' comp claim is in trouble. Just be sure you understand that the state may have the power to deduct any payments made to you from a later workers' comp settlement.

Medical Care

You may be able to receive needed medical care while your workers' comp claim is in the appeal process. Some medical providers will provide care under what is known as a medical lien. This lien is placed on your eventual settlement. If you have medical liens, it's vital that you include that consideration when evaluating any settlement offers. In most cases, medical liens are only placed when it appears you have a good case for a settlement. Along those same lines, some hurt workers will qualify for Medicare or Medicaid, depending on the rules in your state.

Settlement Loans

A new way for those in need to get help are settlement loans. These loan companies evaluate your workers' comp claim and then offer you cash based on the chances of you winning your case. In most cases, you don't have to pay the loan back unless you win your case. The loan balance is paid once you win your settlement.

For more information about support during the appeal process, speak to a workers' compensation lawyer.