Suffering a workplace injury can change your life forever. Even if you are able to make a full recovery, you should expect some short-term changes.
If you are injured on the job and unable to immediately return to work, it’s imperative that you learn more about the workers’ compensation system. This will go a long way in helping you decide what to do next.
In short, the workers’ compensation system is meant to pay you a portion of your salary if you are unable to work because of an injury or illness resulting from your employment.
While this sounds straightforward, there is something you need to know: A workers’ compensation claim denial is not out of the question.
There are many reasons why you could receive a denial letter, including the following:
- You did not report the injury to your company in an timely manner
- You did not file a claim within the allowable timeframe
- Your employer disputes your version of the events, such as arguing that you did not suffer the injury on the job
- You did not receive medical treatment after the accident
- You are unable to prove that the injury was a result of your employment
While there are other reasons for a workers’ compensation denial, these are among the most common.
If you find yourself in this position, you shouldn’t give up and hope that you figure things out. You should learn more about filing an appeal, as this is the first step in having your original ruling overturned.
Your denial letter will provide all the information you need, so make sure you follow it down to every last instruction.
You have rights as a worker, and you need to protect them at all costs. If you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits and everything works out, you don’t have anything to worry about. However, if you receive a denial letter, it’s time to take immediate action.