If you have been injured at the workplace, your losses are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, in many cases, this claim may be denied due to various reasons. In such situations, you may appeal the denial with the help of your state’s board of workers’ compensation. There are various reasons for your workers’ compensation claim getting denied. Some of them are injury not being reported on time, claim not being filed on time, injury not being compensable, insufficient evidence to prove that the injury was work-related, etc.

According to a Norfolk workers’ compensation lawyer, the steps to take when a workers’ compensation claim is denied are: 

• Understand the cause of denial: You can seek information regarding the reason for your workers’ compensation denial. Once you understand the reason, it may help you when you appeal the decision of the board.
• Understand and analyze the denial letter: You must carefully read the denial letter and other documents that you have received. Along with this, you must carefully understand each and every point and look for the deadlines and other instructions which will guide you on how to appeal against the decision of the board.
• Get in touch with an attorney: Seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who will help you understand your rights and even guide you through the appeal process. Moreover, your attorney will prepare a detailed document to represent your case and be there for you throughout the journey.
• Gather evidence: In most cases, workers’ compensation claims are denied due to lack of evidence or other documents. Hence, it becomes very important that you keep all required documents such as medical records, reports, statements of the witness, etc. to support your claim.
• File for an appeal: Once you have gathered all necessary documents, evidence, and information, you can file an appeal with the workers’ compensation board. However, you should ensure that you meet all the deadlines mentioned in the documents handed to you earlier.
• Attend all hearings: You along with your attorney must attend all the hearing processes so that you are well acquainted with the progress of the case.
• Have patience: This is very crucial as emotionally unstable and stressed people cannot take prudent decisions. Moreover, it will cause extra suffering to you and your loved ones if you do not keep your calm.
• Stay in touch with all parties involved: You must communicate with your employer, the workers’ compensation board, your attorney, etc. This helps you seek information regarding the progress of the case.

Jennifer Sesco