Can I Get Benefits Right Now With a Workers’ Comp Hardship Hearing?
Many people who are unable to work after an injury have difficulty paying their bills or coming up with co-pays for their medical treatments. People who have fallen on hard times while waiting for workers’ compensation approval may request temporary benefits through a hardship hearing. This is an evidentiary hearing that awards temporary disability benefits to a patient whose medical treatment or benefit status is in dispute.
A hardship hearing takes place in front of an administrative law judge. You must present written medical evidence affirming a need for treatment, as well as a link between the prescribed treatment and the on-the-job injury. If the judge agrees with the evidence in your case, you may be given a partial award for your injuries, but your case will still remain open for a further ruling. You may request a workers’ comp hardship hearing if one or more of the following is true:
- You have not reached a point of maximum medical improvement.
- Your employee benefits have been unexpectedly or not rightfully terminated.
- You have requested medical treatment that has been refused by your employer.
- You have requested temporary total disability benefits that have been refused by your employer.
In most cases, a hardship hearing will only provide temporary benefits so that patients can get the care they need in a timely manner. However, an administrative law judge can issue a final award in your case if you have reached maximum medical improvement and you request a final ruling in order to close your case.
Have You Been Injured On The Job?
If you’ve been hurt at work on the job in Kansas City you need to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Kansas City office directly at 816.471.5111 to schedule your free consultation.
Related: