In a perfect world, the worker’s compensation process would always go smoothly. You get injured on the job, you file for worker’s compensation, and then your employer’s insurance carrier pays you for medical expenses and lost wages. But it’s often much trickier than that. Here are the top three most common reasons a worker’s compensation claim could get denied and how to avoid them.
Failure to File the Paperwork Properly
The first reason is one that’s entirely preventable and rests entirely on your shoulders. If you make a mistake in your paperwork or submit it after the deadline, then that could lead to a denial.
You typically have plenty of time to file for worker’s compensation. Just check the deadline so that you don’t miss it. Double-check your paperwork before you submit it to avoid any errors. Fortunately, if you make a mistake, you can typically just correct it and resubmit everything.
A Disagreement Regarding the Severity of the Injury
Your employee or their insurance company could feel that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim. In this case, they may deny your claim or only agree to pay you for a lesser amount than you feel you deserve. For example, if they feel you could still be working, they may elect not to pay you for lost wages.
Avoiding this issue is all about seeing a doctor as soon as possible after your injury. If you have a doctor’s note detailing the extent of your injuries and telling your employer when you can return to work, you can use that note as evidence in your claim.
A Dispute about Fault
You don’t need to prove your employer was at fault for a worker’s compensation claim, but your claim could be denied if they argue that you were the one at fault for what happened. For example, if your employer says you were messing around with a coworker or impaired on the job, they could then deny your claim and say that it was your fault.
In disputes about fault, it will come down to your case versus your employer’s. One way to help your claim is to consult with a personal injury lawyer or firm like Bellotti Law Group, P.C. who can represent you throughout the claim process.
It’s important to get the compensation you need after an on-the-job accident. Watch out for the issues above to keep your claim on track.