Life is rarely a straight and uninterrupted path. Events and circumstances pull folks in many directions. A work-related injury could easily impact your plans. Some people are required to move out of state for personal or economic reasons. Moving is a stressful event when everything else in your life is in order. If you are collecting workers’ compensation benefits or are in the middle of a claim, the level of stress is probably greater. You might be wondering if you can keep your workers’ comp benefits if you move to Arkansas.
The answer is yes – generally, you can keep your workers’ compensation benefits if you move out of state. There are no legal consequences. However, there are some important factors to take into consideration. If you are in the process of filing a workers’ compensation problem, moving out of state presents additional challenges and difficulties.
To make the moving process easier and avoid mistakes that could jeopardize your benefits, it is crucial to speak with our Fayetteville workers’ compensation lawyers. If you have just moved to Arkansas and have questions regarding your workers’ compensation benefits, call (479) 316-0438.
Update Your Personal Information
Whether you are in the middle of a claim or are receiving benefits, you need to advise every one of your correct mailing address and other pertinent information that could change because of the move. This includes informing your employer, your legal representative, and your treating physician.
By providing this information as soon as possible, you reduce the risk of any paperwork being delayed or your benefits being interrupted. It is important very clear when sharing your mailing address, phone number, email address, or other information relative to your case.
Does Moving Affect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Typically, if you are moving to Arkansas, you do not have to worry about the validity of your worker’s compensation benefits. Where you live does not impact your ability to collect benefits. For example, if you were injured in Texas and met the qualifications to collect benefits, moving to a new location should not affect your ability to receive those benefits.
However, there are still some potential issues to consider. For example, workers’ compensation is not usually required to cover your full medical costs. If you are moving to a place where medical costs are significantly higher, your compensation is not required to cover the increase in costs. Additionally, to qualify for workers’ compensation, you must be unable to work. If you are moving into a region with a reasonable expectation of employment, your benefits should be fine. However, if you are moving into an area where the prospect of finding a job is poor, even if you were not injured, your benefits could be revoked. It is important to have our knowledgable Arkansas workers’ compensation lawyers working at your side.
Moving Out of State Affects Your Medical Care
The most significant change in the workers’ compensation process when you move is the change in your ongoing medical treatment. In most cases, if you move to Arkansas from another state, you will not continue your medical care with the same doctor. Different states have different laws concerning how much leeway a beneficiary has in choosing medical providers. Your benefits depend on continuing your medical treatment, so it is vital to find a new doctor in Arkansas.
However, you do not have to handle this on your own. Our Benton County workers’ compensation lawyers are here to assist you. Our team of lawyers will work closely with you to ensure you continue to receive the medical treatment you require.
Mistakes That Could Hurt Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
You have every legal right to relocate to Arkansas. However, your workers’ compensation claim is predicated on your inability to perform the tasks related to your job. Insurance companies are usually looking to minimize their liability or deny a claim. Moving is a stressful and strenuous endeavor – you do not want to make any mistakes that could hurt your workers’ compensation claim.
Insurance companies could employ a private investigator or conduct other surveillance techniques to see if you are engaging in any activities that could be used to devalue or deny your claim. If you are out of work because of a back injury, you should not be carrying heavy furniture or be involved in moving any heavy objects. You should not post photographs or videos of yourself involved in the move as well. If you are captured doing anything physical, you could lose your benefits. Our experienced Fort Smith workers’ comp attorneys will advise you of other potential mistakes that could jeopardize your monthly benefits.
Timing Your Move if You Are in the Middle of a Workers’ Compensation Claim
When you move can greatly influence your worker’s compensation claim. If your claim was approved and you are receiving monthly payments, moving will have less of an impact. While you still want to ensure that all relevant parties have your updated information and find a new medical provider, these hurdles are usually not that challenging.
However, if your workers’ comp claim has not been approved, moving could cause a host of issues. If you are required to attend a medical examination or court hearing, traveling from Arkansas could be difficult. If you have control over your moving situation, it is often best to wait until your benefits are fully approved before leaving the state.
Accepting a Lump Sum Settlement
While you should be able to maintain your workers’ compensation benefits if you relocate to Arkansas, there is one thing you could do to avoid any potential issues. You might be able to trade your benefits for a cash settlement. With cash in hand, you have complete control over your medical care and vocational rehabilitation. Our Springdale workers’ compensation lawyers could work with the insurance provider to negotiate a settlement that allows you to move forward without any strings.
Our Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Offer Free Consultations
Moving to a new state is stressful, even one as magnificent as Arkansas. If you are in the middle of a workers’ compensation claim or are concerned about keeping your benefits, our Huntsville workers’ comp lawyers could alleviate your concerns. Call (479) 316-0438 to discuss how moving will affect your benefits.