If you are suffering from an injury that occurred at work or as a result of your job, you are likely already involved in the workers' compensation process, which can help pay a portion of your salary and take care of your medical expenses. Don't make the mistake of taking the approval of your workers' comp claim for granted, since there are several circumstances that could cause a denial. Read on to learn more about common reasons for denial and how to handle it.
Drug or alcohol use.
An initial task in nearly every workers' comp-related medical visit is a testing for the presence of drugs or alcohol. It's important to note that this screen encompasses many different types of substances, including legally prescribed medications. If you have been denied your claim on the basis of substance use, you will likely be able to get your claim reinstated with proof of a legal medication prescription.
Lack of corroboration.
The importance of witnesses to your accident and its after-effects cannot be overstated. A denial based on lack of corroboration should trigger an effort to:
- Return to the scene of the accident and locate any possible witnesses, such as co-workers or others who may have been present, even people you may not know personally.
- Check for video cameras in the area and ensure you get a copy of the pertinent passage.
Inconsistencies. I
t's only human nature to add and remove details when giving accounts of events. This can be especially true when considering the stressful nature of a traumatic event, such as a workplace injury. Make sure that you give the same basic accounting of the accident in your initial report and what you tell your supervisor, medical personnel and co-workers. Unfortunately, inconsistencies can make you appear dishonest. If the inconsistency is an error in memory or simply a case of misspeaking, you may be able to file an appeal to correct your statement.
Recorded Statements.
In most states, you are not required to give a recorded statement to the workers' comp insurance company adjuster, but your refusal may give a bad impression and cause an initial denial. You should very clearly understand your rights about giving recorded statements by consulting with a workers' comp attorney and never give a recorded statement with your attorney's approval.
No matter what the reason given for the denial, contact a workers' comp attorney, like those at Franco Law Firm, to help you get your claim approved and get the compensation to which you are entitled.
Share