If you are injured in the workplace, you are entitled to file for and receive workers’ compensation. However, the workers’ compensation process is complex, and even if you try to do everything by the book, you can still see your injury claim denied. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at three common reasons a workers’ compensation claim is denied, and how to counter these denials.
Countering Work Comp Claim Denials
Having your injury claim denied by your employer’s insurance company is not the end of your compensation collection journey. In fact, many of these reasons for denial can be successfully countered if you know the best way to approach the situation. Here’s a look at three common reasons your claim may be denied, and how to navigate these denials appropriately.
Injury Not Work Related – Your employer’s insurance company may deny your claim on the basis that you lack the ability to prove your injury occurred on the clock. Even if you are rightfully injured, if nobody witnessed the accident, you file your report on a Monday or there are some inconsistencies between your version of events and your employer’s accident report, the insurance company may deny your claim until you can provide more proof. By working with an injury lawyer, you can strengthen your case and get what’s rightfully yours. A lawyer can help consult expert witnesses, put together a stronger case and provide consistencies between your injuries and your version of events. Your case may lack evidence simply because you were unaware of the best ways to present your case, and that’s where a lawyer can help drive home your point.
Missed Deadlines – This is another point of contention that is best avoided with the help of an injury lawyer. It may be a little hard to argue your case if you did in fact miss key deadlines, but don’t just take the insurance company’s word for it. Depending on the nature of your injury, you may actually have more time to file for compensation than the other side believes. You should never put off filing for workers’ compensation, and you can ensure that you don’t miss deadlines if you hire a lawyer and let them cover all the paperwork and deadlines for you.
Delayed Medical Care – One thing that insurance companies look closely at when deciding whether or not to approve a claim is how quickly the claimant sought medical care. If you waited a week to go get care, they may argue that your injuries are not that severe or may even be non-existent. They could also argue that another injury occurred off the clock. Make sure you get a medical evaluation as soon as possible after a work injury, but if treatment is delayed, work with a lawyer to explain why. A lawyer can also work directly with your physician to provide strong evidence linking the work accident to your injuries, even if you didn’t go see a specialist the same day as the injury. Don’t hurt your own case by waiting to receive medical care, but if you do, strengthen your case by connecting with a lawyer.
For help with your claim denial, or for assistance with any other aspect of your case, reach out to the experienced team at Hey Workers today.
