If hurt at work, you know how difficult it can be to get better while you are worrying about paying your bills and taking care of your family during your time away from work. This is why workers’ compensation benefits exist — to care for individuals who suffered an injury at work or who became ill due to occupational exposure. While you may have a rightful claim to these benefits, it can actually be quite complex to secure them.
Many first-time applicants find that their initial claim came back denied. This certainly feels like a setback, and while it is frustrating, it is not the end of the road for you. You have the right to continue to fight for the full amount of workers’ compensation benefits you need and deserve.
Common reasons for denied claims
There are various reasons why initial claims come back denied. Understanding these reasons and the specific one that affected your claim could help you pursue an appeal. Some of the most common reasons for denied claims include:
- There was no evidence included in your claim that medical treatment was necessary.
- Your employer disputed your claim to workers’ compensation benefits.
- You did not report your injury in an appropriate amount of time.
- You did not complete and file your claim in an appropriate amount of time.
- There was not enough evidence to prove that your injury relates to your work.
- There is not sufficient evidence that your injury is compensable.
No matter the reason why your claim came back denied, you have the right to continue to pursue the benefits you need and deserve.
Fighting back through the appeals process can feel like a daunting task, but it is not something that you have walk through alone. You have the right to secure help for every step, even before you file your initial claim.
Fighting to get better
The intent of workers’ compensation benefits is to get injured or sick workers the help they need to get better and get back to work. If you believe you have a rightful claim to these benefits, you would be wise to start by seeking a complete evaluation of your case.
The workers’ compensation system is complex, and it is prudent not to attempt to navigate it alone, especially the appeals process. If your claim came back denied, you do not have to give up hope, but you can continue to pursue what you need for a complete recovery.