Every employer is required to carry worker's compensation insurance for their employees. While this should mean that there are no problems when you make a claim, sometimes the insurance company denies the claim even if the employer files and complies with all the deadlines. As an employee, you may feel that since the claim was denied, you were not covered for one reason or another. Do not think this way. Contact a worker's comp attorney to set things right. Here are just a few reasons the claim may be initially denied.
Pre-existing Conditions
It is possible that an accident while working affects an old injury. However, this does not mean that you should not be compensated. It may be a little tricky, and your lawyer and doctor will need to determine how much damage was the result of the new accident and how much was from the previous injury. It may even end up that the accident caused damage that cannot heal or be fixed. Even if the new injury in itself could have healed, if it is the reason the old injury is now permanent, worker's compensation needs to compensate you fully.
Location of the Accident
Sometimes, an accident occurs away from the workplace but while you were still working. The insurance company may want to investigate further as to why you were not at work but claiming worker's comp. Your lawyer and employer can prepare the necessary documents to prove that you were working and why. If your employer is not working with you, the lawyer becomes indispensable.
Deadlines
It is imperative that you file your claim and provide all the necessary evidence and documentation before the deadlines. If you find you are running out of time because either your employer, a doctor, the hospital, or a colleague is not giving you what you need, a lawyer can usually get it for you. Quite often, all it takes is a simple letter to have them scrambling to get things done.
While you may not need the services of a worker's compensation attorney to start receiving benefits, it never hurts to talk to one. In fact, before you file, you should make an appointment. Most lawyers provide a free initial consultation. You can then go ahead and file on your own if you want to. However, if you run into a problem, you will be able to talk with someone a bit familiar with the case so that things will move along faster and smoother.
To learn more, contact a worker's comp attorney.
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