Help for the Pain

After your on-the-job injury, you need to focus on letting your body heal. Receiving news that your workers compensation claim was denied is not conducive to your recovery. Understanding common reasons that workers compensation claims are denied can help you file your claim correctly in a timely manner.

1. You and your employer do not agree on how the injury occurred.

While it is simple to prove that certain injuries occurred at work, such as an obvious broken bone or open wound, it is much harder to prove that others occurred on the job. For example, if you have had knee issues in the past, it can be tricky to demonstrate that a fall at work caused your current knee injury.

One way to help prove that your injury is work-related is to make sure your doctor's medical report specifically states that the injury is a result of work-related duties. For chronic work injuries, it is vital to have documentation that shows your employment was the cause of the initial injury. Hiring a lawyer who specializes in workers compensation cases often helps expedite cases involving long-term injuries.

2. You failed to promptly report your injury.

Employers ask that all work-related injuries be immediately reported to help reduce fraudulent claims. If an employee waits days before reporting an injury, it is tough to fully demonstrate that the injury occurred at work, rather than at home or during recreational activities.

Even if you think your injury is minor and requires no medical care, you should report it so that your employer has it on record. This will help show that it occurred at work if your condition worsens.

3. Your situation is not covered.

Not every type of work is covered by workers compensation. Farm workers and household laborers are generally not covered. Individuals who work as independent contractors instead of employees do not have coverage either.

If have alcohol or drugs in your system at the time of the accident, your claim will most likely be denied since there is a great chance these substances played a significant role in your injury. Employers often drug test after an on-the-job injury for this very reason.

If your drug test is positive for an unapproved substance, but you feel your injury would have happened regardless, qualified legal council can help you prove your case.

4. You did not visit the correct medical facility.

Many employers have certain facilities that they use to treat injured employees. If you refuse to use their doctors, it is possible that your medical costs will not be covered by workers compensation. Employees should review their workers compensation plan to understand if they are required to use their employer's choice of doctor.

Employees who are able to choose their doctor must ensure that their doctor is eligible to treat workers compensation cases.

Navigating the workers compensation process can be tricky and tedious. Following your employer's rules and regulations, submitting all required documentation, and comprehending your plan's details helps expedite the process. The sooner your claim is handled, the sooner you can focus on restoring your health. Contact a lawyer like those at Franco Law Firm to make sure you have what you need to expedite the process.