Why Was My Workers’ Comp Claim Denied?

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. However, even if your injury occurred at work, your claim can still be denied. Many legitimate workers’ compensation claims are denied by insurers, forcing innocent employees to hire legal representation to fight for their rights. Some of the reasons your workers’ compensation claim might have been denied include:

• Injury Wasn’t Witnessed: If you get hurt at work and nobody saw, seeking compensation might be a difficult process. However, you should still report the injury to your co-workers and supervisor immediately. Be sure you tell everyone the exact same thing about how your injury occurred.
• Injury Wasn’t Reported Immediately: Workers’ compensation laws require you to report your injury within a short period of time. If you think your injury may cause you to miss work, report it to a supervisor immediately and fill out an accident report.
• Discrepancy Between Accident Report & Medical Records: Your claim might be denied if statements about the accident are found to be inconsistent. Be consistent when you tell co-workers, supervisors, office personnel, and healthcare providers about your injury.
• Presence of Illegal Drugs: Insurers are not likely to voluntarily pay compensation benefits to an employee whose medical tests indicate the presence of illegal drugs in their system.
• Claim Was Filed After Being Terminated or Laid-Off: Don’t delay filing your claim. Insurers might perceive a compensation claim as a revenge claim against the employer when a worker files after being fired. This is why it is important to file your claim as soon as possible.
• Injury Was Only Reported to Your Doctor: Employees often go to their regular doctor after being injured at work. However, you might end up undermining your claim if you or the physician do not tell the employer or their insurance company about the injury.

Have you been denied compensation for a work-related injury? Our experienced Fresno workers’ compensation lawyers are here to help you during the appeals process. With over 130 years of combined experience, our team has a proven track record of assisting injured workers and their families with all types of workers' compensation claims. Contact us today to get started.