When a Pennsylvania worker suffers an injury at work, he or she has the right to seek benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. However, it is not always easy to get the benefits you may need, even if you have a valid claim. Unfortunately, many initial claims come back denied. This is frustrating, but it is not the end of the road for you.
If you are dealing with the impact of a work injury, facing time off to recover and dealing with medical bills, it is important to get the financial support you need as soon as possible. A denied claim certainly feels like a setback, but you can pursue other options by which you can pursue the benefits you need. You can appeal and continue your fight for the support you require during your recovery.
Why claims come back denied
The first step in continuing your fight for workers’ compensation benefits after a denied claim is to identify the reason for the denial. It is possible your denied claim was the result of a simple mistake, clerical error or missing information. Through an appeal, you can rectify the problem, then request again the benefits you need to get better and move forward after a work accident. Some of the most common reasons for denied workers’ compensation claims include:
- You did not file your claim for benefits in time.
- You did not report your injury in the appropriate amount of time.
- There is no evidence that your injury required medical treatment.
- There is a reason your injury is not eligible for compensation.
- Your employer is disputing the claim.
- There is not enough evidence to prove your injury was the result of your job.
You may need to include additional documentation or correct errors in your application for benefits. It is in your interests to move forward with this process quickly, as appeals may be time-sensitive.
You do not have to walk through it alone
The workers’ compensation is challenging and sometimes confusing for an injured worker who is also dealing with physical injuries and financial stress. It can be disheartening to receive a notice of a claim denial, but you have more options.
It is in your interests to take immediate action to protect your interests. From completing the initial application to dealing with a denied claim, you will find significant benefit in seeking the guidance of an attorney with experience in the workers’ compensation process.