Your workers’ compensation claim was denied. What’s next?

Suffering an injury on the job is a difficult experience that many of us face at one point or another in our professional lives. Unfortunately, some injured workers receive the care they need from a supportive, understanding employer, while others must fight for fair treatment.

In most cases, workers’ compensation covers the costs of treatment and a portion of missed income after an on-the-job injury. However, the insurance companies that provide workers’ compensation coverage often find ways to deny claims, even if a worker truly suffered an injury and needs proper care and assistance during recovery.

If you recently had your workers’ compensation claim denied, there are some steps you may take to appeal the denial. It is important to understand that the appeals process is rarely simple and includes deadlines that you must honor. It is wise to build a strong legal strategy to help you understand the issues at hand and the legal tools you have to protect your rights throughout recovery.

Do you know why your appeal was denied?

In order to overturn a denial, it is necessary to understand why the insurer denied your claim in the first place. It is possible that your injury justifies medical care and other benefits, but some other issue caused the denial.

Some common reasons for denying a claim include:

• Failing to report the injury within the proper time period
• Failing to file the claim within the proper time period
• An employer disputing the claim or the injury
• Unclear how to compensate for an injury
• Insufficient proof that an injury is work-related
• Failure to seek or receive medical care for the injury

Once you identify the reason or your denial, you can address the issue directly. Without a clear understanding in this area, it is difficult to appeal your case successfully.

Do you understand the time limits for appeal?

One of the most common pitfalls workers encounter when appealing a compensation claim is missing deadlines. Even if a claim may deserve fair compensation, insurers may deny it if a worker does not take certain actions inside the legal time limits.

Deadlines are only one part of making a successful appeal. In many cases, individuals must take it upon themselves to understand the steps needed to meet the guidelines. It is wise to use strong legal resources and guidance to make sure that you do not make a simple mistake with significant consequences.