Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides coverage to employees that are hurt on the job. In Rhode Island, employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover employees for work-related injuries. If you are hurt at work, this insurance will cover your medical bills and lost wages.
However, the insurance companies are the ones who decide whether to accept or deny your workers’ compensation claim. Oftentimes, they will look for a reason to deny your claim in order to save money. Some of the more common reasons for denial include not reporting the injury right away or not getting medical treatment. Below is a more detailed list of reasons for denial. If you have been denied workers’ compensation after being injured at work, contact an experienced Middletown workers’ compensation lawyer who may be able to obtain a workers’ compensation settlement on your behalf.
What are the Most Common Reasons for Denial of Workers’ Compensation Claims?
- You Did Not Report the Injury to Your Employer. When injured at work, it is important that you report the injury to your employer right away. This not only helps document when and how the injury occurred, but also puts your employer on notice to report the injury to the insurance company.
You Did Not File a Claim on Time. After you report the injury to your employer, the insurance company must be notified. Your employer should instruct you on how to file a claim. Make sure to complete this process as soon as you can because failing to file a claim on time can lead to a denial.- Your Injury Occurred off the Work Site. Many times, the insurance companies will deny your claim if you were not at the actual work site when it happened. However, if you were performing duties for work when you were injured, you may still be eligible to receive benefits.
You Did not Seek Medical Attention for Your Injury. It is important to see a doctor for your injury, even if you think the injury is minor. If you chose not to seek medical attention, the insurance company will likely try to say the injury must not have been that bad and deny the claim.- You Had a Pre-Existing Injury. If you had a prior injury, the insurance companies will often try to limit your workers’ compensation benefits and claim that the prior accident is to blame. These claims can get complicated because detailed medical information may be needed to prove your claim.
Your Injury was Minor. The insurance company may deny your claim if it appears that the injury was not serious enough to require medical attention or time off from work. It is important to remember that injuries can effect people differently and may get worse with time.
If your claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. It is important to understand the way the law and the system works in order to be successful in this process. An experienced Middletown workers’ compensation lawyer can sit down with you and asses the facts of your individual case to make sure that you receive the benefits you deserve.
Contact an Experienced Middletown Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured while at work, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your lost wages, medical bills, and in some cases vocational rehabilitation. We work with experienced workers’ compensation lawyers who do not charge legal fees unless you receive an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us today at 1-401-846-5449 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.
Source:
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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