Workers’ compensation helps injured employees by providing them with many benefits, such as health coverage and lost wage, death and disability payments.
Unfortunately, an employee may be denied workers’ comp benefits. Here’s why that happens:
The worker missed the statute of limitations
When a worker is injured on the job, they need to report to their employer or manager within 21 days of the accident. This report is used to start an investigation into the injury. If the investigation is successful, the employee may receive workers’ comp benefits. If the injured worker waits more than 120 days, the claim could be barred.
The injury was not debilitating
A workplace injury must impact the employee’s ability to work. For example, a forklift injury that impaired a worker’s ability to walk likely prevented them from doing their job. This kind of injury could be eligible for comp benefits. A bruise or cut from a fall is likely not debilitating and can lead to a denied claim.
A doctor did not examine the injury or illness
The injured workers may need to get a medical examination of the injury or illness. Without the medical report, it may be hard to prove that an injury or illness is existent and debilitating. Some companies require injured workers to see a designated healthcare provider. A workers’ comp claim may be denied if the injured worker does not meet the requirements of their employer.
The injury did not happen when the employee was working
An employee is only eligible for workers’ comp if they are injured on the job. For instance, a slip-and-fall accident because of an oil spill in a warehouse may lead to a successful claim. But, if the injury happened while the worker was off the clock and driving home, the claim could be denied.
A denied workers’ comp claim can greatly affect the livelihood of an injured worker. Workers who understand their legal options may face fewer denials.
