As a workers’ comp lawyer TN relies on, I know when a workers’ compensation claim is denied it leaves people in an unpredictable and difficult situation. If you’re denied compensation for your injury it not only puts you, but your whole family, at risk. That being said, having a workers’ compensation claim denied is more common than people think.

If your claim was denied, don’t worry. You still have options. Here are some of the most common reasons workers’ compensation claims are denied and what to do next.

Reasons workers’ compensations claims are denied

Figuring out why your claim was denied can help you figure out what to do when you appeal the decision. You could be denied for simply not meeting the eligibility requirements, such as getting injured while away from work. But if you believe the denial was reached in error, you may appeal.

Some of the most common reasons for claim denial include the following:

  • Injury was not reported in time: You should report an injury to your employer as soon as possible. At most, the state of Tennessee allows you 15 days to report an injury or employment-related illness to your employer. The time starts running on the day of the injury, or on the day you become aware of the condition.
  • The claim was not filed in time: Workers’ compensation deadlines are extremely strict. Generally, you have one year from the date you first learned that your injury or illness was work-related.
  • Your employer disputes the claim: Your employer may claim the accident happened outside of work, was the result of “horseplay”, or some other disqualifying reason.
  • No medical treatment: In most cases, you must obtain medical treatment in order to receive workers’ comp benefits.
  • The injury is not physical: Claims for mental and emotional injuries can be very difficult to prove.
  • Insufficient evidence. It’s not always clear whether an injury happened at work. But another medical exam and additional evidence may help your case.

Once you know the reason behind the denial, you have more to work with as you file your dispute. This could help you provide further evidence that you did not think to include the first time you filed a claim.

Appealing a denied workers’ comp claim

Having your claim denied can be frustrating, but it doesn’t have to end there. You have a right to dispute the claim denial. The denial letter you receive should include an explanation of your workers’ comp insurance coverage, when and how you can appeal the decision, and notification of the deadline for filing your appeal.

If you decide to appeal, bear in mind that it can be a complicated legal process. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can make all the difference in whether you are approved.

Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer TN trusts for FREE

If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, or if you’ve been injured on the job and plan to file a new claim, speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer TN trusts today.  Contact us online or call 901-327-2100 for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced lawyers. We can answer any questions you have, talk through your specific situation, and come up with a plan that’s as stress-free as possible.

Don’t get discouraged if your claim was denied. Contact us today to hear how we can help you get the benefits you deserve so you can recover quickly and move forward with your life.