Red Flags Checklist - Early Warning Signs in a Workers Compensation Claim

If you notice more than one of these early on, pause.

They are not normal delays — they are signals.

 

These are not minor issues. These are early warning signs of systemic failure. 

1. Communication Red Flags

☐ Emails go unanswered for weeks

☐ Responses arrive vague, partial, or off-point

☐ You are told “we’ll explain this over the phone” instead of receiving written answers

☐ Different people give you different explanations

☐ You are repeatedly asked for information already provided

What it means: accountability is being diluted.

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2. Case Manager Red Flags

☐ You don’t know who your case manager is

☐ Your case manager leaves and no replacement is assigned

☐ Messages are redirected endlessly

☐ You are told “anyone can help you”

☐ No one appears responsible for next steps

Key warning: a claim without a case manager is a claim without ownership.

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3. Process & Transparency Red Flags

☐ Decisions are implied but not confirmed in writing

☐ Timeframes are unclear or keep shifting

☐ You are told “the process hasn’t started yet” months into a claim

☐ You discover forms or steps you should have been told about earlier

☐ Important actions occur without your involvement

What it means: process is being used to obscure responsibility.

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4. Medical & Recovery Red Flags

☐ Treating doctors’ reports are ignored

☐ Further IMEs are scheduled without clear reasons

☐ Return-to-work planning never begins

☐ No rehabilitation provider is engaged

☐ Your health worsens while the system delays

Critical: the system has a duty not to cause further harm.

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5. Oversight & Complaint Red Flags

☐ Complaints are acknowledged but not resolved

☐ Responses avoid answering direct questions

☐ You receive phone calls instead of written explanations

☐ Oversight bodies defer repeatedly to the insurer

☐ Time passes while nothing changes

This is secondary harm — injury caused by the system itself.

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6. Psychological Red Flags (Often Dismissed — But Vital)

☐ You feel confused after interactions

☐ You start doubting your memory or judgement

☐ You feel anxious every time you check email

☐ You’re told you’re “difficult” for asking questions

☐ The process itself is worsening your symptoms

Trust this signal. Distress is data.

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If You’re Ticking Boxes — What to Do Early

You do not need to do everything. Choose one step at a time.

✔ Ask for responses in writing

✔ Name gaps clearly (e.g. “I do not have an assigned case manager”)

✔ Keep your own simple timeline

✔ Follow verbal conversations with a summary email

✔ Seek independent support early (advocacy, trusted professionals)

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Most Important Reminder

These red flags are systemic patterns, not personal failures.

You are not:

• unreasonable

• impatient

• overreacting

• asking for too much

You are noticing what many injured workers only see later — after the damage deepens.

Early recognition is self-protection.