If you suffer an injury on the job, the state workers’ compensation system covers the cost of your medical care, among other benefits. In an effort to prevent an injured worker from being burdened with any expenses related to their treatment, you may also qualify for mileage reimbursement in a Downey workers’ compensation case.
Under these benefits, you can recover a monetary payment based on the miles you travel to and from your treatment. Unlike medical benefits—which are paid directly—you will need to seek reimbursement later for transportation expenses. A dedicated workers’ compensation attorney at Glauber Berenson Vego can ensure you pursue all of the benefits you are entitled to recover.
Any time a doctor or medical professional examines a worker for a work-related injury, that person may be entitled to financial compensation based on the distance traveled to and from the appointment. This includes the cost of traveling to a range of treatments, including physicians, chiropractic care, and even the cost of retrieving prescriptions. This money can also be used to cover things like parking costs or tolls.
The amount of the mileage benefit changes each year in response to inflation. For example, in 2024, the mileage rate was 67 cents per mile. This is an increase of 1.5 cents compared to the rate for 2023.
It is up to the worker to submit a request in Downey for mileage reimbursement in a workers’ compensation case to the insurance company. The insurer then has 60 days to process the payment. If the insurer fails to make the payment on time, workers can recover a 10 percent penalty on the amount owed. In cases where the delay is unreasonably long, it is possible to request a penalty of up to 25 percent.
Downey has specific requirements for each submission for mileage reimbursement in a workers’ compensation case. This is because insurance companies need this information to process the claim. A worker must provide basic details for each trip they seek reimbursement for, such as:
Applicants must sign and date the form before submitting it, and the information provided needs to be accurate. There are serious criminal consequences that come with lying on a workers’ compensation form, including the possibility of jail time.
A key consideration for reimbursement is whether or not the expense was reasonable. This is often related to the type of care and whether it was medically necessary. However, mileage reimbursement in Downey workers’ compensation cases also depends on the geographic location of the treating doctor.
Reimbursement for treatment by a care provider far from home is still possible. However, there must be evidence that similar treatment cannot be found nearby. Insurance companies are known for looking for excuses to deny reimbursement.
An important part of workers’ compensation benefits is not just having your medical bills paid, but also being reimbursed for the cost of traveling to these exams. If you have questions about mileage reimbursement in a Downey workers’ compensation case, get in touch with the legal team at Glauber Berenson Vego today.
