If you suffer a workplace injury and are unable to immediately return to your job, learn more about your legal right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
You may believe that your claim is simple and straightforward, but that doesn’t always mean you’ll receive benefits as expected.
There are many common reasons for a workers’ compensation claim denial, including these four:
- The injury was not reported: You’re required to report your injury to your employer within a reasonable period of time. Protect against trouble by reporting the injury the same day it occurred.
- You did not file a claim in time: The longer you wait to file a workers’ compensation claim, the greater chance there is that you’ll miss the deadline.
- Your employer disputes the claim that you were injured at work: Your employer may argue that you were injured away from the job and that you are attempting to pass it off as a workplace injury as a means of receiving compensation.
- Lack of medical treatment: You’re required to receive medical treatment after suffering an injury. It’s best to do so on the same day the injury occurred.
If you receive a workers’ compensation denial letter, review it several times to pinpoint these details:
- The reason for the denial
- How to appeal the decision
- The timeline for filing an appeal
When you understand what you’re up against, it’s easier to file an appeal with the hope of having the original decision overturned.
You have the legal right to receive workers’ compensation benefits, so don’t give up until you’ve exhausted all your options.
