Aug 24, 2018

Why Was My Workers’ Comp Claim Denied?

Nathaniel Hansford
Reviewed by:
Nate Hansford

Workers’ comp benefits provide financial relief for several injury-related expenses, such as medical bills, travel to and from doctor’s appointments, disability, and lost wages. If you are unable to receive a settlement, you will have to shoulder these costs out of your own pocket, which can put you under financial strain. Being injured at work is stressful enough without having to deal with complicated legal matters. Our firm provides compassionate and aggressive legal services to injured workers. There are a variety of reasons a workers’ compensation claim may be denied.

Your workers’ comp claims may be denied if:

  • Your injury did not occur at work. In order to receive workers’ comp benefits, you must have been injured while performing job duties. If you were injured while on vacation or while commuting to work, your workers’ comp claim may be denied. However, if you can use evidence to show that your injuries occurred while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits.
  • You failed to notify your employer in a timely manner. In the state of Georgia, you only have 30 days to officially report the injury to your employer. If you fail to notify your employer within this time frame, your workers’ comp claim may be denied and you may be unable to receive a settlement. That is why it is important to act quickly and notify your employer of your injuries.
  • You did not receive medical attention or follow doctor’s orders. Failing to see a doctor, or failing to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor, could put your claim in jeopardy. It is important to see a doctor as soon as possible after a workplace accident, even if you feel uninjured. Some injuries, such as soft tissue trauma, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and whiplash, may not exhibit symptoms for days after the accident. By seeing a doctor, you can receive the treatment you need and use your medical records to support your workers’ comp claim.
  • You were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident. Your employer has the right to request drug and alcohol testing when you are taken to an emergency room after a workplace accident. If you are found to have levels of drugs or alcohol in your system, your workers’ comp claim may be denied.
  • Your employer disputes your claim. In some cases, your employer may argue against your workers’ compensation claim. He or she may be afraid that filing a claim will raise the insurance premiums, and may say that your injuries were not caused at work. If your employer dispute your claim, having solid evidence is important.

If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Has Been Denied, Call Our Atlanta Workers’ Comp Attorneys Today at 770-922-3660

With more than 20 years of collective legal experience,Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys provides diligent legal services to injured workers in Georgia. Whatever your situation, our Atlanta workers’ comp lawyers will guide you through the legal process as you seek a beneficial settlement. We have a detailed knowledge of federal and state laws. Furthermore, if your claim has been denied, our legal team will help gather evidence, build your case, and aggressively uphold your right to a settlement.

Ready to schedule a free consultation? Contact our firm today to get started.