Imagine a situation in which you suffer an injury or illness related to your job responsibilities. This can be anything from a slip-and-fall accident in an elevator to a repetitive stress injury.
Now, imagine a situation in which you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, just to receive a denial letter. You have every right to feel angry, as you’ve been paying into the system and expect to have access to benefits should the time come.
Understanding the primary causes of a workers’ compensation denial can improve your odds of avoiding this stressful situation. Here’s what you need to know:
- You weren’t injured at work: If your injury or illness isn’t work-related, you won’t qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Additionally, if your employer argues you were injured outside of work, even if it’s not true, it can slow down the process. Protect against this by notifying your employer of your injury, as soon as it happens.
- You didn’t receive medical treatment: Even if you don’t believe the injury to be serious, don’t hesitate to receive medical treatment to better understand your situation. You’ll never know the severity of your injury or illness until you’re thoroughly examined by a qualified medical professional.
- You waited too long to file a workers’ compensation claim: Once you realize that you can’t return to work, take a step back and look at the big picture. This will have you wanting to learn more about filing a workers’ compensation claim, as you need the money to help you through this challenging time.
These are just three of the many reasons for a workers’ compensation denial. While you can do your best to protect against these circumstances, there’s no guarantee of your success. You could still receive a denial letter when you least expect it.
If you find yourself in this situation, learn more about the reason for your denial and then appeal the decision. Don’t give up until you’ve exhausted all options, as there’s a lot on the line. You have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits if you qualify, so continue to protect your legal rights.
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