Workers’ compensation benefits are there to compensate workers injured at work. They help cater to the loss and expenses incurred from the injuries. Unfortunately, getting a workers’ compensation claim accepted is not easy. Some situations might dispute your claim, and you may not receive the benefits. Even with a strong suit, understand why it might be rejected. This article will discuss several situations when your workers’ compensation claim might be denied.
- You Did Not Hire an Attorney
It is not mandatory to have a lawyer when pursuing compensation. However, having one increases your chance of succeeding with your claim. Having a lawyer also shows the insurance company and your employer that you are serious about the matter. Therefore, consider a workers’ compensation attorney Arizona to prevent your case from being denied. The expert will guide you through the process and help you collect the necessary documents.
- The Injuries Did Not Happen at the Line of Duty
Your claim will only go through if the injuries happened while working. For example, if you broke an arm while fixing an elevator, you qualify for the benefits. However, if the accident occurred while you were on your lunch break, you may not be eligible for coverage. Remember, the insurance company and your employer will work through every way to prove the injury did not happen while working.
- You Did Not Report the Injuries Immediately
You should notify your employer immediately if you have been injured while working. Failure to report early may cause several problems. For instance, an immediate investigation will not be conducted to evaluate your case. Furthermore, the insurance company may say you were not injured at work, or you may not be able to prove you were injured while on duty.
- You Did Not Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you did not get medical care after the accident, you would increase your chances of getting rejected. You may be accused of faking the injuries if you file the claim without medical records. In short, nothing will prove you were injured or the extent of the damages. Therefore, seek medical attention immediately.
- You Were Intoxicated During the Accident
If the employer realizes you were intoxicated when the accident happened, you cannot receive the benefits. Your claim will be denied if medical tests show you were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In that case, the employer or insurance company has the basis for arguing that the accident would not have occurred if you were sober.
- You Had a Pre-existing Condition
If you had injuries before you started the job and the job did not worsen the condition, you are not eligible to file a claim. Your employer will argue that the injuries already existed before working.
- There Are Disputes in the Claim
Having a claim means that the employer has to pay more for the worker’s compensation cover. Therefore, they will find every way possible to argue that your details are incorrect. This mostly happens if you do not have a witness or no surveillance footage to prove it.
These are circumstances when your workers’ compensation claim may be rejected. Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is advisable to evaluate your eligibility and help you deal with the insurance company.