Having a successful workers' compensation claim can be a long process. But there are some steps you can take to expedite the process and increase your chances of getting a swift settlement.

Here are some tips to help you get your workers' compensation settlement faster.

Work With Your Employer

Working collaboratively with your employer is one of the best ways to ensure that you get a workers' compensation settlement on time. 

Having cooperative and constructive conversations with your employer's human resources, insurance representatives, or other designated personnel can help you stay informed throughout the entire process. Not only will this give you a better understanding of the situation, but it may also speed up the resolution timeline.

Your employer holds some power during a workers' compensation claim. Paying attention to their requests and keeping them apprised of any changes can make all the difference in getting your compensation quickly. 

From proving an injury occurred at work to providing medical documents, being proactive about communication between yourself and your employer can put pressure on the company to move the process along.

Remember that as long as you provide accurate information on time and stay engaged with your employer's representatives, you can ensure your claim is addressed promptly.

Finally, employers are more likely to respond favorably when they feel they are also getting something out of their agreement. If possible, make small concessions, such as waiving the right to sue and settling out-of-court in exchange for a larger settlement amount. 

Working together with empathy and respect can help move things along swiftly and far more amicably than if both parties remain at odds during these difficult times.

Request an Expedited Hearing

One of the simplest ways to speed up the workers' compensation settlement claims process is to request an expedited hearing. In doing so, you ask the court responsible for handling your case to make a timely decision. Depending on how long it usually takes for a hearing date to be set, this could potentially mean months shaved off your wait time.

When requesting an expedited hearing, you should have evidence that supports why such a request is necessary. It could be due to extenuating circumstances such as failing health, job loss, or other hardships making it difficult for you to survive without financial assistance from the settlement. 

Presenting this information in a clear and concise manner will help strengthen its validity in the eyes of the court.

Be aware that the courts don't approve every request for an expedited hearing. Even if yours is not accepted, however, it's possible that presenting your case may affect how quickly your claim is handled afterward. 

At the very least, putting in the effort to request one shows initiative and commitment, which can create a more favorable outcome between yourself and those responsible for deciding upon your settlement amount.

For more information, contact a workers' compensation lawyer near you.