Dealing with a work injury is hard enough. But when your workers’ comp claim starts dragging out your medical treatment, it can feel like you’re stuck in limbo – waiting, frustrated, and in pain.

Unfortunately, this isn’t uncommon. Insurance companies can move at a snail’s pace when approving treatments.

Now the good news is that you’re not powerless.

In this post, we’ll show you what to do if workers’ comp dragging out medical treatments.

#1 Document Everything

This is your first line of defense. Whenever things start getting weird or slow, write it all down.

You want to keep a running record of what’s happening, even if it feels a little obsessive. Every phone call, email, denied treatment, or delay should go in your file.

This isn’t just to vent your frustration – this stuff matters.

It can be incredibly helpful down the road if you need to file a complaint or request a hearing. You’ll have actual dates, names, and facts.

And trust us, nothing gets taken seriously faster than detailed, consistent documentation.

Also Read: Why Do Employers Hate Workers’ Comp?

#2 Push Back On Excessive Exams

It’s super common for workers’ comp insurance to send you for an “Independent Medical Exam”.

What they don’t tell you? These aren’t always that independent. If you’re being shuffled from one IME to another with no new results, it might just be a delay tactic.

You’re allowed to ask questions. Why do they need another opinion? What’s the medical reason for it? Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns.

If it starts feeling like you’re getting the runaround, you probably are.

Also, if you’re already under the care of a doctor who’s treating your injury properly, you don’t have to silently agree to every outside exam thrown your way.

So speak up. Make it clear that you’re following your doctor’s plan, and question the need for repeated evaluations if nothing’s changing.

#3 Get Your Doctor Involved

Here’s something not enough people do: loop in your treating doctor when things are dragging.

They can be a powerful voice in your corner. If treatment is being delayed or denied, your doctor can submit a strong medical justification for why you need it now, not later.

Sometimes, it’s as simple as a few extra notes or the right wording in a report.

Doctors know how to explain the urgency in medical terms, which can make a big difference to the insurance company or workers compensation board reviewing your case.

Plus, if your doctor’s frustrated too (and many are), they might help escalate the issue or give you guidance on next steps.

So keep them updated on what’s happening behind the scenes.

Also Read: Why Do Doctors Hate Workers’ Comp?

#4 Follow Up Frequently

We all wish we didn’t have to do this part, but staying on top of your claim can make a difference.

Don’t wait weeks in silence hoping someone will get back to you.

Be a little annoying, but politely, of course.

Call the adjuster or claims rep every few days to ask for updates. If treatment hasn’t been approved yet, ask what’s missing. If something was submitted last week, ask when they’ll review it. Set calendar reminders if you have to.

Remember, you’re not being difficult – you’re just staying on top of your recovery.

A lot of these delays happen simply because people don’t follow up. Out of sight, out of mind. You want your case front and center.

#5 File For A Hearing Or Appeal

If things really aren’t moving, and you’ve hit a wall, it might be time to file for a hearing or appeal.

This puts the issue in front of a judge or board that can actually make a decision, instead of waiting around for the insurance company to change its mind.

This doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. Most states have a simple process where you submit a request to the workers’ comp board and explain what’s being delayed or denied.

It could be a specific treatment, a surgery, or even a second opinion that you were promised but never got.

Once the process starts, it usually lights a fire under the insurance company, and they’ll start paying attention a lot faster.

You’ve got rights, and sometimes the only way to enforce them is to push things up the chain.

#6 Talk To A Workers’ Comp Attorney

If you’ve tried everything and still feel like you’re being ignored, get a workers’ comp attorney involved.

These lawyers deal with delay tactics all the time. They know how to push things through and make sure you’re getting treated fairly.

The best part? Most of them don’t charge you anything upfront. In fact, many states only allow them to take a small portion of your settlement or benefits if they win your case.

So it’s usually low risk, high reward.

And once an attorney steps in, the insurance company usually snaps to attention. No one wants to deal with extra legal pressure.

So if things are dragging out and you’re exhausted from the back-and-forth, let a pro take over.

Why Does Workers’ Comp Keep Dragging Out Medical Treatments?

Here’s the truth: the insurance company isn’t in a hurry to spend money. The longer they can delay approving medical care, the more money they save – at least in the short term.

Also Read: Can I Sue Workers’ Comp For Negligence?

Sometimes it’s also about control. They may question if your treatment is “really” necessary. Or argue that your injury isn’t work-related. Or blame a pre-existing condition. In some cases, they’re just disorganized or understaffed.

But in others, it’s a deliberate tactic to make the process so frustrating that you give up or settle for less.

Delays can also happen when:

• There’s confusion about your diagnosis.
• They’re waiting on more medical records.
• They’ve switched adjusters (again).
• A second opinion was requested and hasn’t come through.

Whatever the reason, none of it’s fair to you. You’re the one hurting. And the system is supposed to help you get better – not make you fight for every doctor’s visit.

Bottom Line

If your workers’ comp medical treatment is being dragged out, don’t sit back and hope it’ll fix itself. Be proactive. Start documenting everything. Stay in regular contact with your claims adjuster. Push back when things feel fishy.

And bring in your doctor and possibly a lawyer when you need backup.

The longer you let things drag out, the harder it is to recover not just physically, but mentally and financially too. So don’t wait. Start pushing now.

You’ve got every right to get the treatment you need to heal and move forward.

If it’s already been weeks or months and you’re still stuck, it’s time to take the next step.