The costs of medical bills and lost wages as a result of an on-the-job injury can cause significant financial hardship. Thankfully, employers are required to carry workers' compensation insurance, which is designed to cover part or all of the associated costs of the incident. However, payment is not guaranteed, and your claim can be denied for various reasons. Here is more information about why you may receive a denial and how to overcome it.

Why Are Workers' Compensation Claims Denied?

There are specific time frame restrictions for filing a claim. For example, you are obligated to inform your employer about the injury within 30 days of the incident. Additionally, you must file the claim within one year of the injury to be eligible. If you try to file a claim outside of this period, the insurer may deny the benefits.

Loss of compensation can also occur if the provider or employer questions the validity of the claim. If you have past injuries, illnesses, or lifestyle circumstances, they may claim that these other ailments caused or increased the severity of the current problem. These disputes are more common with long-term issues caused by repeated exposure or movements, as they're not directly tied to a single incident.

Improper paperwork is one of the most common causes of denials. For example, not completing the proper forms on time or providing incorrect details can result in an automatic rejection. Alternatively, a mistake on the reviewer's end, such as misreading information, can also impact the claim. 

What Can You Do After a Denial?

You have the opportunity to get a second shot at compensation by appealing the denial. To do this, you must file an official notice of claim with Georgia's State Board of Workers' Compensation. This notice allows you to choose either to begin mediation or attend a formal hearing. If you opt for the former but negotiations are unsuccessful between both parties and their attorneys, the latter option is invoked. 

A formal hearing lets your personal injury lawyer argue your case to try and convince the court that you deserve compensation. This process can include presenting evidence, such as medical records, as well as witness testimony. If the judge denies the claim, you can file an appeal with the Appellate Division, followed by an appeal with the state court system.

If you've received a workers' compensation claim denial, contact The Leman Law Firm in Dalton, GA. This local personal injury lawyer has been providing valuable guidance and aggressive representation to workers throughout Whitfield County for over 35 years. Visit them online for more information about their services, and call (833) 301-0070 to schedule a consultation.