When you go to work each day, you should not have to worry about what will happen if you get injured on the job. We should be able to count on workers’ compensation insurance to cover us if we are harmed. Unfortunately, there are times when things do not work the way they should.
If a workers’ compensation claim is denied, we know that can be devastating for your finances and well-being. Do you know where to turn if that happens?
At Mayer & Rosenberg, P.C., we are ready to help you. When you need a Kansas City workers comp lawyer, we are standing by. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 2.8 million people are injured at work each year, so workers’ compensation insurance is vital.
Why Get Denied
We want to talk about some of the main reasons you may get denied a workers’ compensation claim. Please note that just because you are denied does not mean that you should not get coverage. If just means that the process may become more complicated.
- Missed deadline – always report an injury as soon as it happens. Your supervisor should be made aware so reports can be filed. Most states have strict deadlines concerning reporting injuries. There are exceptions for occupational injuries and illnesses that occur over longer periods of time.
- The injury did not happen at work – sometimes, injuries happen while a person is commuting to and from work or while they are on break. These situations can become complicated with insurance companies.
- Negligent behavior – workers’ compensation will often deny a claim if you were acting recklessly or carelessly when the injury happened. This can include playing around or using equipment in a way it is not supposed to be used.
- Pre-existing conditions – injuries or illnesses that you had before you started a job that are exasperated by your workplace may not get coverage.
- You never saw a doctor – if you did not seek medical attention for your injury, the insurance company will likely deny your claim. That is why it is so important to go to the doctor for any workplace injury, no matter how minor it may seem at the time.
- Drugs and alcohol – if a person is under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of an injury, the claim may very well be denied. Most of the time, a person must take a drug test when an injury occurs
- Your claim is disputed – if your employer says that the injury did not occur the way you said it did, or that it did not occur at all, they can dispute it with the insurance company.
Moving Forward From Here
If you have been hurt in a work injury and are experiencing trouble getting it covered by workers’ compensation insurance, or if your employer is giving you a hard time, seek legal assistance now. At Mayer & Rosenberg, P.C., we will not let you get bullied around.
Our qualified and experienced team is ready to take your case to ensure you get the coverage you need. This includes your medical expenses as well as lost income. If you have been fired, we will seek punitive damages as well. When you need a Kansas City workers compensation attorney, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 816-941-8949.