Can you cancel your claim if your situation changes and you no longer need or want workers’ comp benefits?
If you’ve been hurt on the job in Missouri, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you pay for medical care and make up for lost wages while you’re recovering. However, can you cancel your claim if your situation changes and you no longer need or want workers’ comp benefits?
“Can I Cancel My Claim?“
The answer to this question is: It depends. If you’ve been receiving benefits for a while and your employer has been paying into the system, then it’s likely that you won’t be able to cancel your claim. However, if you’ve only just begun receiving benefits, or if your employer hasn’t yet started making payments, then there’s a possibility that you can cancel your claim.
It’s important to note that you can’t just cancel your claim whenever you feel like it. You must have a valid reason for wanting to cancel. Two common reasons for wanting to cancel a workers’ comp claim include:
- You’ve fully recovered from your injuries and no longer need benefits.
- You’ve found another job and no longer need wage replacement benefits.
If you have one of these reasons or another valid reason, then you may be able to cancel your claim. However, it’s important to know that you can’t just stop receiving benefits whenever you want – there is a process that you must follow to cancel your claim.
How Do I Cancel My Claim?
If you’ve decided that you want to cancel your claim, the first step, after speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, is to notify your employer. It would be best if you did this in writing so that there’s a record of your request. Once you’ve notified your employer, they’ll have to approve the cancellation.
Secondly, you’ll generally need to fill out a form and submit it to the Missouri Department of Labor. Once you’ve submitted the form, the department will review your request and decide whether or not to approve it. If your request is approved, your claim will be canceled, and you will no longer be eligible for benefits.
An Important Word of Caution
Canceling your workers’ compensation claim can have serious consequences. For example, you may not be eligible for benefits in the future. Additionally, canceling your claim could affect your ability to collect unemployment benefits. Therefore, before making any decisions about your claim, speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. They can review your case and help you make the best decision for your situation.
Speak With an Experienced Missouri Work Injury Lawyer
If you have been injured on the job our experienced St. Louis work injury lawyers can help. We’ll review your case for free and help you understand your rights and options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.