4 Common Reasons Your Workers' Compensation Claim May Be Denied

When injuries occur in the workplace, employees can obtain financial relief from their medical expenses and lost wages by filing a workers' compensation claim. Unfortunately, the process of collecting workers' compensation benefits can be complex and challenging, and in some cases, mistakes are made on the appliances and some of the most deserving individuals get denied. To avoid problems, it is recommended to speak to a professional workers' compensation attorney who can assist with the navigation of the system. Here is a look at four of the reasons a workers' comp benefit claim may get denied.

Failing to Report the Injury on Time

While each state has its own requirements, as a general rule, workplace injuries must be reported to the supervising authority within 30 days of the incident occurring. The incident report should be provided in writing and include the date, time, and location of the incident. If an employee fails to meet this deadline, it can often result in the claim being denied automatically.

Neglecting to Follow the Health Care Requirements

In order to qualify for benefits, an injury worker must comply with any and all health care requirements. This includes seeking medical care from a doctor, obtaining necessary treatment from an authorized health care provider, and following all medical orders that are given. In the event that an employee fails to follow these requirements, the claim is unlikely to go through.

Providing Statements That Are Inconsistent

Benefits are often denied by insurance companies when employees make inconsistent statements regarding the incident or if there are any discrepancies between the incident report and health care records. By working with a workers' compensation attorney, evidence can be gathered in your favor to help prove your claim's legitimacy.

Being Under the Influence at the Time of the Injury

After a workplace accident, there is a good chance that you will be tested for alcohol or drug use. If the test comes back positive that you were under the influence when the injury occurred, it is highly likely that your benefit claim will be immediately denied. However, if you work with a professional attorney, it may be possible to argue that the drugs or alcohol in your system did not contribute to the accident and injury.

It can be helpful to understand the common factors that contribute to the denial of workers' compensation benefit claims. If you have been injured at work, contact a workers' compensation attorney for more information.