The workers’ compensation system exists to help workers when they get hurt at work. It is aimed at compensating workers for their losses when they suffer from injuries while at work. However, the system does not work when the insurance company denies legitimate claims. Thus, injured workers have to deal with the fallout from a work injury on their own. If you are an employee in Richmond, you must understand the potential reasons insurance companies could deny a strong claim to better know what precautions you must take when injured at work. Also, you must know the importance of hiring one of the best Richmond workers compensation lawyers to avoid these denials. These reasons include the following:
Late Application
There is a deadline to when you can file for a workers’ compensation claim and missing this deadline will get your application denied outright. Your claim for workers’ compensation starts when you submit a claim form to your employer’s insurance company. Your doctor must complete parts of this form, so you must get it filled out as soon as possible. If your application is late, the insurance provider might see it as an opportunity to claim that you are not truthful about the nature and extent of your injuries.
Your Injury Did Not Take Place at Work
You can be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if your injury has happened while you were doing your job duties. But, if you got injured while you were on your lunch break or on your commute to work, you may not be eligible to make a claim.
Your Medical Treatment Was Not Given by an Approved Medical Provider
Your employer and their insurance provider have the right to offer you an approved list of doctors you can visit to get treatment. Sometimes, this might not be favorable to you as these medical professionals can try to downplay your injuries, so you can get lower benefits. While you must see an approved medical provider to be entitled to compensation, you get the best chance of getting the treatment you require and the benefits you deserve by seeking the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer.