Workers’ compensation provides injured employees with medical coverage and lost wages. However, many workers’ comp claims are denied.
A denied workers’ comp claim can cause financial strain for injured workers who cannot find employment and are facing severe medical debt. Here are some of the most common causes of a workers’ comp claim denial:
1. Reporting delays
In Florida, a workplace accident must be reported to an employer within 30 days of the incident. A report allows an employer to file a report to their workers’ comp insurance carrier. If an accident is not reported to an employer, a claim may be denied.
2. Filing delays
Once an employer is notified about a workplace accident, the injured employee has two years from the date of their injury to file a workers’ comp claim. A workers’ comp claim allows an employer to receive medical coverage and lost wages. However, if the deadline to file a claim is missed, they may be unable to receive benefits.
3. Missing medical information
A workers’ comp claim requires medical evidence to prove that an employee is unable to work because of their injuries. If medical documentation is missing from a claim, benefits may not be approved.
4. Approved doctor issues
An injured employee may be required to seek medical care and examinations from an approved workers’ comp medical specialist. If a worker refuses to seek an approved doctor, they may be unable to collect benefits.
5. Pre-existing conditions
A workers’ comp insurance company may deny a claim because of an employee’s pre-existing medical condition. However, an employee’s pre-existing condition may have been exacerbated by a workplace accident.
Professional legal guidance can help injured employees seek workers’ compensation benefits after a claim is denied.