How you suffer an on-the-job injury is not nearly as important as the steps you take after this happens. With the right approach, you can treat your injuries and get back on your feet soon enough.
While not always the case, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. But there’s a problem: You don’t automatically receive benefits just because you were injured on the job. You need to file a claim if you want to secure this financial assistance.
It’s your hope that your initial workers’ compensation application is approved. If this happens, it won’t be long before you begin to receive payments.
There’s always a chance you could receive a workers’ compensation denial letter. This happens for many reasons, such as:
- Your employer disputes that you were injured on the job
- You did not report the injury to your employer
- You did not receive medical treatment for your injuries
- You did not file a claim with the workers’ compensation department in a timely manner
The good thing is that you have control over many of these scenarios. For example, it’s up to you to report the injury to your employer, receive medical care and file a claim as quickly as possible.
What you can’t control is what your employer does next. For example, they may argue that you did not suffer your injury on the job.
If you receive a workers’ compensation denial letter, the steps you take next will alter your life.
You can assume there is nothing you can do, thus letting your employer win and hope for the best in the future. Or you can learn how to file an appeal and then push forward with that process.
Sometimes, supplying additional information is all that’s necessary to obtain a reversal.
An on the job injury is a big deal, as it could change your life. Once you receive medical treatment and have an idea of how your injuries will impact your future, turn your attention to the workers’ compensation system.
If you immediately receive benefits, take advantage of this assistance until you can return to work. If you receive a denial letter, learn more about your legal rights so you can fight back in the appropriate manner.