A denied workers’ compensation claim can leave you reeling and wondering where to turn for help. When you know some of the common reasons why your employer may have denied your claim, you might have an idea about what to do next.
Careful adherence to the guidelines provided by your employer can help you avoid costly mistakes. If unfairly denied coverage, you might need to seek help elsewhere in disputing your employer’s decision.
Non-compliance
Non-compliance with company-regulated standards could jeopardize your benefits even if you did receive your injury at work. Some examples of non-compliance include the following:
- You were not sober when the accident happened
- You ignored safety guidelines
- You did not follow job-related instructions
Incomplete report
The process of filing a workers’ compensation claim requires time and attention to detail. You will want to thoroughly read through the paperwork prior to filling it out. Make sure you include all applicable details. Enclose a timeline that describes when everything happened. Attach supporting documents including witness statements if there are any.
Procrastination
Waiting too long to file a claim can cause the statute of limitations to pass. According to the State of California, Department of Industrial Relations, you must file a claim within 30 days of your injury. Even if your injury meets all the requirements to utilize workers’ compensation benefits, not filing a claim on time could hurt your eligibility greatly.
Your diligence in educating yourself about your rights and then carefully following the process for filing a claim may improve your chances of a satisfactory outcome. With the support of workers’ compensation benefits, you can supplement lost wages and work through your recovery.