If you’re injured on the job, you may decide to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. While you hope to receive an approval letter in the near future, you may get the exact opposite: a denial.
Here are the steps you can take to appeal a workers’ compensation denial:
- Contact your insurance company: This gives you the opportunity to ask questions, learn more about the denial and determine if there is anything you can do to have the decision reversed. For example, they may be missing a document that you can quickly supply.
- File the necessary paperwork: You can’t simply contact your insurance company and ask for the decision to be overturned. You need to file the necessary paperwork, such as an application to formalize the process.
- Collect evidence: Supply your insurance company with whatever you can find to back up your claim. For example, medical records often come in handy if your employer is arguing that you didn’t suffer a serious injury. It’s always better to collect more evidence than not enough.
As you take these steps, don’t be surprised if your insurance company asks for additional information. Follow their instructions carefully, as you don’t want to make any mistakes that cost you more time and money.
It’s frustrating to receive a workers’ compensation denial, but it’s good to know that you have the legal right to file an appeal. Learning more about the appeal process, along with your rights as a worker, will help you make decisions that put you in position to receive the benefits you deserve.