There are many reasons why insurance companies deny a workers’ compensation claim. If your claim has been denied, it is critical that you retain the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Statistics suggest that there was an increase in the number of denied workers’ comp claims between 2013 to 2017. If you have been injured while on the job, we want to help you anticipate the various challenges that lie ahead. The following are some of the most common reasons why workers’ compensation claims are denied.
No One Saw Your Accident Occur
It more difficult to obtain compensation if you were injured in a workplace accident that no one else witnessed. If you are injured on the job and no one saw your accident, there is little you can do to improve this aspect of your case. Instead, you should make sure that you promptly report your injuries to your employer. You should similarly make sure that you provide everyone you speak to the same narrative about how your accident occurred.
You Did Not Promptly Report Your Injuries
If you fail to promptly report your injuries, you will likely have a much more difficult time obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. Insurance companies will assume that if you did not immediately report the accident, you were not actually hurt. Ohio law requires workers to report incidents within one year of the accident, but you should not wait. If you are injured while on the job, you should report the accident immediately.
Discrepancies Between Your Accident Report and Medical Records
Insurance companies often deny workers’ compensation claims if a worker provides inconsistent statements about how the accident occurred. If you provide your employer with one story about how the accident occurred but tell your physician another version, you will have a harder time pursuing a claim. Remember to be consistent when speaking to coworkers, employers, and medical providers about how the workplace accident happened.
You Filed a Claim After Termination or Being Laid Off
Waiting until you are laid off or fired to file a workers’ compensation claim greatly weakens the strength of your case. This is because companies often view claims filed as merely retaliatory. This is another reason why you should never wait to file a workers’ compensation claim. If you are fired before filing, you will have a more difficult time obtaining the compensation that you deserve, even if you were seriously injured.
Speak with an Experienced Cleveland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Even if you were injured on the job, there are still numerous obstacles that can arise in the process of obtaining compensation. Contact Dworken & Bernstein Co., L.P.A. today to receive a free case evaluation.
