Workers’ compensation benefits could help cover medical expenses and lost wages to help you recover after being injured. However, in some circumstances, valid claims could be denied for various reasons. At Smith Hulsey Law, we have helped workers all over Georgia fight their claim denials and secure the benefits they deserve. This blog explores some of the most common reasons that workers’ compensation claims get denied and what you could do to avoid them.
A workers’ compensation claim can be denied for various reasons. Common reasons for denials include:
Understanding how to avoid these mistakes could help protect your rights and improve your chances of a successful claim.
To file a formal claim in Georgia with the Board of Workers’ Compensation, the report of the injury must be filed within one year. Workers often wait too long to report their injury or file a claim. To prevent a workers’ compensation claim denial, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, preferably the same day it occurs.
If there is not enough evidence linking your injury to your job duties, the claim may be denied. Medical documentation is heavily relied on in these situations. Seeing a doctor immediately to explain the details of how your injury happened may provide records and reports that could help prevent a claim denial.
If the insurer believes that your injury did not occur during the time of employment, they may reject your claim. To avoid denial in this situation, thoroughly describe the task you were performing as well as where you were when the injury occurred. Gather any video footage to help support your claim.
Insurers may blame symptoms incurred after an injury based on pre-existing conditions that were not previously disclosed, instead of blaming the job itself. Being open and honest about pre-existing conditions that could make you more prone to injury while you are working could help clarify how your job accelerated the condition and made the situation worse.
If you do not attend appointments or if you ignore medical advice from professionals, it may look like your injury is not serious. It is important to attend every scheduled appointment and follow through with treatments and medications.
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or you are unsure of how to file it correctly, the knowledgeable and dedicated team at Smith Hulsey Law is here to help. We could review your case and guide you through the process to ensure that you get the benefits you need to heal. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and learn how to avoid the common reasons for workers’ compensation claim denials.
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