When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you hope to receive benefits in the near future. You need this money to stabilize your finances as you recover from your injury.
Without workers’ compensation benefits, you’re left to rely on other money, such as your personal savings, to get by while you recover. This doesn’t always work for everyone.
The best way to protect against a workers’ compensation claim is to understand why this could happen. Here are some common reasons:
- You did not report the injury to your supervisor
- You did not receive medical treatment after the accident
- You did not file the workers’ compensation claim in time
- Your employer argues that your injury was not a result of your employment
And that’s just the start. There are many other reasons for a workers’ compensation denial. Your goal is to have a clear understanding of the reason for your denial, as this allows you to take the necessary steps.
Should you file an appeal?
If you receive a workers’ compensation denial letter, you have the option of filing an appeal. You don’t have to do so, but it’s typically better than giving up and letting the system win.
The letter will outline the reason for your denial, which is where you should focus most your time moving forward. It’s your responsibility to provide evidence to back up the claim that you’re eligible for benefits.
For example, if your denial was a result of a lack of medical treatment, provide evidence that shows that you did receive care. It’s this type of approach that puts you in the driver’s seat moving forward.
It’s possible that your first appeal could also result in a denial, which means you have to keep moving through the legal system.
A workers’ compensation denial is frustrating, but it’s not written in stone. You still have the right to file an appeal, with the idea of proving that you should receive benefits.
In the end, the only thing that matters is that you protect your legal rights and do whatever you can to receive all the benefits you deserve as an injured worker. This can be the difference between financial stability and financial ruin in the near future.