If you suffered an injury at work, you know how important it is to have financial support. You have medical bills to pay and a family to support, and a work accident can be a significant threat to your financial well-being. However, injured Missouri workers may find that it can actually be quite difficult to secure benefits after a work accident.
Unfortunately, getting the benefits you deserve may not be as simple as filing a workers’ compensation claim. Claims can come back denied, which can be discouraging. It is important to remember that, if this happens to you, it may not be the end of the road. You could have grounds to move forward with an appeal, continuing your fight for the support you need to get better.
Why did my claim come back denied?
It can be helpful to remember that workers’ compensation insurance companies may not have your best interests in mind. Their goal may be to pay as little as possible on claims, and for this reason, seemingly valid claims can come back denied. Some of the reasons your claim was not successful may include the following:
- The insurance company claims that the injury was not compensable.
- There is no evidence that the injury relates to your job or a job-related accident.
- There is a lack of proof that the injury required medical treatment.
- Your employer disputed the claim.
- You did not file the claim within the required window of time.
These are only some of the reasons that a claim for workers’ compensation benefits could come back denied. If you need these benefits and you are facing a setback, making the effort to understand why denials happen may help you prepare to appeal.
Continuing your fight for benefits
After a denial, it can be important not to give up. You may be able to continue your fight for benefits through an appeal. Things that can be done to prepare for an appeal include gathering evidence that counters the objection to the original claim, which may include additional medical documentation, doctors’ notes and more.
If you were hurt at work, you likely have a right to workers’ compensation benefits. You do not have to traverse the complex claims process alone, but you may seek guidance and support from the very beginning of the application process. From your initial paperwork to fighting through an appeal, an experienced legal ally can be an invaluable asset as you seek a full recovery after an injury or occupational illness.