If you have endured a work-related injury, then you may have a workers’ compensation claim. However, even if you suffered an injury at work, your claim can still be denied. Claims must meet certain criteria under the law, and a failure to meet those requirements can result in a workers’ compensation claim being denied. Claims can also be denied for questionable reasons as well.
- You Didn’t Report the Injury on Time
In Massachusetts, the workers’ comp process starts when the injured worker notifies their employer of an on-the-job injury. Employers are required by law to report the accident to their workers’ comp insurance carrier if the work injury prevents an employee from earning their full wages for 5+ days.
If the employer isn’t notified, they are under no obligation to start the claims process.
Remember:
Report your injury to your employer immediately after the accident — do not assume that they already know about it. If possible, give your employer written notice of the injury.
- You Only Reported the Injury to Your Doctor
Many who experience an injury at work simply head to their regular doctor after they are injured at work. They tell their doctor about their injury, but they do not tell their employer or the employer’s insurance company.
Failing to report the injury to the right people can undermine your claim. For example, if your doctor suggests surgery or another serious procedure and you report the injury afterward, the insurance company will be suspicious and may deny your claim altogether.
Remember:
Take the time to go through each step of the workers’ comp process, preferably with your lawyer from Jim Glaser Law. This will increase your likelihood of having your claim approved.
- Your Employer Disputed the Claim
There are a variety of reasons that your employer might dispute the claim, but the most common reasons are that they do not believe that your injury was a result of your work duties or that they do not believe you are actually injured as badly as you say.
Remember:
In these situations, you can report your injury directly to your employer’s insurance company. Your employer should have a notice posted that indicates how to contact the insurance company, and you can use this information to your advantage. The insurance company may want to do an investigation, but notifying them will at least get the process started.
A Denial Is Not the End!
These are some of, but not all of the reasons your claim may have been denied. Some employers will deny virtually all workers’ comp claims immediately in hopes that employees may not fight them.
Whatever the reason for your Massachusetts workers’ comp claim being denied, don’t lose hope!
There is only a short window of time to file an appeal, so call Jim Glaser Law today or fill out our online form for a free case review. We’ll take it from there!
