A successful workers’ compensation claim can provide injured workers with wage and medical benefits. These benefits can help an injured worker avoid serious financial strain while they recover from their injuries.
However, an employee’s workers’ comp claim may be denied. It is important that employees understand why their claim may be denied, how a denial can impact them and what they can do next. Here are some common reasons why a workers’ comp claim is denied:
A claim was filed too late
An injured employee must meet two crucial deadlines to receive workers’ comp benefits in Florida. First, an employee must report their injuries to their employer within 30 days of the date of the accident. Second, the workers’ comp claim must be filed within two years of the date of the accident. Missing either of these deadlines can prevent a worker from receiving benefits.
The claim was missing key documents
There are several important documents that must be submitted when filing for workers’ comp benefits. Most importantly is a medical report documenting the severity of an injury and the impact an injury has on an employee’s ability to work. Other crucial documents for a successful claim include wage records, witness statements and photographs.
The accident happened outside of work
Employees are typically only eligible for workers’ comp benefits if they were injured while at the workplace, although employees who were injured while traveling on the job might also be entitled to benefits.
What do you need to do next if your workers’ comp claim is denied? You may need to reach out for legal guidance to learn how you can receive workers’ comp benefits.