Workers’ compensation coverage is important for working professionals. People in all kinds of careers have to accept certain risks related to their jobs. Teachers get exposed to pathogens and may have to deal with students who become violent toward themselves or others. Office workers could fall after they slip, shock themselves when handling office equipment or develop repetitive strain injuries.
Regardless of what type of career a professional pursues, they can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits after developing a work-related medical condition. Employees qualify for benefits when they have traumatic injuries or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome caused by job functions.
Many employees get benefits quickly, but some face denied claims. What do workers need to do to get benefits after a denied workers’ compensation claim?
Secure legal representation
Many professionals benefit from having support from the earliest stages of a workers’ compensation claim. Those who have not hired a lawyer and who face denied claims may need immediate help correcting the situation. An attorney can advise them of their rights, review the application and inform them of the best way to respond. Lawyers empowered to act on behalf of injured employees can manage most of the benefits appeals process on their behalf and can also help the injured worker optimize the benefits that they ultimately receive.
Initiate a formal appeal
The law has certain rules in place that apply when employees appeal denied workers’ compensation claims. Typically, the process begins with the workers submitting an Employee’s Claim Petition. Workers need to act quickly to submit appropriate paperwork or may lose the right to file an appeal. Notifying state authorities about the disagreement regarding workers’ compensation benefits and beginning a formal appeal can help an injured or sickened professional get the benefits they need.
Secure additional documentation
Denied workers’ compensation claims are sometimes the result of paperwork errors. Many other times, there are questions about the severity or legitimacy of a condition. There may also be questions about the true origins of a workplace injury or a medical condition like carpal tunnel syndrome. An attorney representing an injured worker can help them secure appropriate documentation ranging from in-depth medical evaluations to co-worker testimony that can help support their claim that they qualify for benefits.
With the right assistance, employees denied workers’ compensation benefits can often prevail when they appeal. Learning more about how to handle a denied claim can help workers limit the economic harm caused by a job-related health issue.
