If you suffered an on-the-job injury, you might expect to receive workers’ compensation benefits. As a matter of fact, having these benefits while you can’t work might be the only way of paying your bills and feeding your family. Did you know workers’ comp benefits are not automatic, though? Often, employers and insurance companies dispute claims. Fortunately, Freeport workers’ compensation law firms have the expertise necessary to fight back. Nonetheless, you should be aware of the five most common reasons for workers’ compensation denials.
1. Failure to Report
While you have seven days to report your work-related injury, you should probably do so immediately. Even if your injury seems minor, you should consider telling your supervisor about it right away. Employers often use failure to report or late reporting as a reason to seek denial of claims.
2. Drug or Alcohol Consumption
If you used drugs or alcohol before your injury, the insurer will almost always deny your claim. Seek the advice of Freeport workers’ compensation law firms if your injury occurred under these circumstances.
3. Lack of Witnesses
Your employer or insurer might argue that your work-related injury was in fact self-inflicted if nobody saw it happen. If they do, you might expect denial of your claim.
4. No Medical Care
If you are injured at the jobsite, you should typically seek medical care immediately. Even if you don’t think you need immediate treatment, your injury might get worse. Pursuing medical care helps document your injuries, generally increasing your odds of winning benefits.
5. Inconsistency
Inconsistencies in your version of events, a witness’s story, or the nature of your injuries, might result in denial of your claim. If your employer or insurer begins to question the accident or your injuries, you should think about reaching out to an experienced lawyer.
Freeport workers’ compensation law firms help employees win workers’ compensation benefits even when employers or insurers dispute them.
