When you are hurt at work and file a workers’ compensation claim, you may expect that review of your claim should go smoothly. Unfortunately, many individuals have to deal with a denial of their claim and appeal a workers’ compensation determination.
There are many possible reasons why an examiner may deny your claim. Here are some of the most common reasons for refusal to award workers’ compensation benefits.
Late filing
You must file your claim for workers’ compensation within 30 days of the accident. Waiting too long to file a claim or report it to your employer may create the perception that your claim is fraudulent.
Suspicious circumstances
An examiner may deny a claim if any of the details about your injury sound suspicious. For example, the fact that there were no witnesses to an injury may bring the veracity of your claim into question. In addition, inconsistencies in your account of what happened may hurt your credibility.
Controlled substances
If your employer has a drug-free workplace and requests that you undergo a drug test after an accident, it could affect the outcome of a workers’ compensation claim review. A finding that illicit drugs were in your system could impute you with responsibility for your accident and result in a denial of your claim.
Ultimately, the workers’ compensation review process is not as straightforward as many claimants expect. It is important that you learn about how examiners review claims, and you must take care to avoid potential obstacles that could prevent you from getting benefits.