Q: What to do if Previous employer didnt process workers comp claim and I have to pay the medical expenses?
Back in March of 2022, I sustained and injury and was taken to the ER by my employer. The following day I filed for workers comp for the visit as well as follow ups for the injury. A few months after I received a bill from the hospital. I contacted my employers HR to get it straightened out which I was told it would be taken care of. Fast forward to yesterday, I recieved notice that this bill is now in collections and they would like to collect.
I am no longer employed there nor do I live in the same state. Previous employer is in California and I now reside in Oregon.
What can be done or how to dispute this properly?
A:
Sound like you were a Cal resident working for a Cal employer at the time of the injury, so jurisdiction would likely be in California's WC system (not Oregon's). You might consider posting this question in the CA forum, but really you should call a CA WC attorney.
If this were an Oregon WC matter, i'd say you have options: a formal claim could still be made so you could get the bill paid (and whatever other benefits you might need). I'd assume CA has similar protections, but I don't practice there so i can't say for sure. Call a CA WC attorney and they'll likely be able to help you.
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