If you get injured in an accident at work, you can apply for workers’ compensation payments. In the unlikely circumstance that you develop an occupational illness, you are also qualified for these benefits.
The medical expenses related to your illness or injury, your missed earnings, and any decrease in your earning potential are all compensated by workers’ compensation benefits. But in order to make use of these benefits, specific criteria must be fulfilled. Cases concerning workers’ compensation are unfortunately not always straightforward. If the injured worker’s paperwork is not filed correctly or does not fulfill the requirements, the claim might get rejected. If your workers’ compensation claim gets rejected by your employer, contact a workers’ comp lawyer Richmond, VA.
What should you do if your employer does not accept your workers’ compensation claim?
Reasons for Claim Rejection
Employees seeking workers’ compensation benefits must understand the reasons for possible rejections. Even though the primary objective of workers’ compensation is to help hurt or injured employees, claims can be turned down.
The following are some of the most common reasons given for the rejection of workers’ compensation claims:
- Lack of documentation
Lack of or inadequate documents is a significant factor in workers’ compensation claims denials. You must include comprehensive and clear records of your injury or illness when you make a claim.
- Missed deadlines for filing claims
Time is important when you submit your workers’ compensation claim. If you fail to submit your claim within that time, your case will be closed permanently. Therefore, it is important to contact your employer and start the claim process as soon as possible after an accident to avoid being subjected to this trap.
Advantages of Workers’ Compensation
The wide range of benefits provided by workers’ compensation claims is one of its most significant advantages. Usually, these benefits consist of:
- Medical Expenses: In most cases, the expense of medical care—including doctor visits, surgeries, prescription medications, and rehabilitation services—is paid by workers’ compensation claims.
- Lost Wages: You could be eligible for compensation to make up for lost earnings if the accident keeps you from working. This could reduce the financial strain on you while you recover from an injury.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Workers’ compensation can provide services for vocational rehabilitation that can help you in training for another occupation if an injury prohibits you from performing your previous job duties.
