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Top Questions About a Denied Workers Comp Claim

You’ve gone through all the work: reported your injury to your employer, filled out the paperwork, and filed your claim. Then your claim is denied. You aren’t sure why it is denied or what to do. This can be an extremely stressful time, especially if you are recovering from a serious injury that involves large medical bills and long recovery time away from work. So what went wrong? Here’s your top questions answered about your denied workers compensation claim Oregon.

Why Was Your Claim Denied?

There are many reasons a workers compensation claim can get denied. Some have to do with the insurance company, some with your employer, and some with your own actions. Exact reasons include:

  • The insurance company does not think your injury falls into a coverage category
  • Your employer does not report the injury or claims it happened outside of work
  • You reported the injury late or filed the claim after the deadline of your state’s statute of limitations
  • Your own negligent actions (arriving to work intoxicated, starting a fight, etc.) caused your injury

Some of these reasons for rejection can be appealed. Check with insurance to see how to appeal your claim.

Can Something Go Wrong in Submitting a Claim?

While everyone wants the system to work smoothly and effectively, there is still room for human error in the claims process. Sometimes, your claim may be denied because of a simple paperwork issue. You can discover the reason for your rejection in the letter sent to you by insurance about your denial.

Should You Contact an Attorney?

The answer to this question depends on individual situations. If you feel you can handle your claim and appeal well on your own, you don’t necessarily need the aid of an attorney. However, at least consulting with an attorney who knows your state laws regarding workers compensation rights can increase your chances of getting compensated for your injury.