Was Your Workers' Comp Claim Denied?
Workers' compensation claims can be denied for reasons that have nothing to do with the fact that you have a legitimate injury or occupational disease. At the law firm of Seaman Garson LLC in Cleveland, Ohio, we have helped thousands of workers obtain benefits after their initial workers' compensation claim was denied.
If your claim was denied, you have two opportunities to appeal that decision:
- At a district hearing with the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation
- At a hearing before the Industrial Commission of Ohio in Columbus.
It's important to seek legal representation for these hearings. Without a lawyer to guide you through the process, you could end up accidentally damaging your case.
Why Was My Workers' Compensation Claim Denied?
One of the most common causes of claim denial is a lack of proper medical documentation. If you are injured at work and go to a company doctor, you may not even be aware that a claim has been filed. Your employer or the medical provider may have filed the claim on your behalf.
Once your claim is filed, you have a limited amount of time to provide medical information to the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. If the bureau does not receive this documentation within 17 days, they will send you a letter saying your claim was denied for lack of medical documentation.
Another reason why claims are often denied is a misclassification of your injury. For example, you may file a claim for a back sprain that turns out to be a herniated disc. At this point, your claim needs to be amended.
What Should I Do if My Workers' Comp Claim Is Denied?
After you receive a letter denying your claim, you have 14 days to appeal the decision. At this point, you should immediately contact an attorney to protect your rights.
Your employer won't look out for your best interests. In fact, they can − and often do − actively participate against you. The Bureau of Workers' Compensation is basically an administrative body that does its best to follow the rules. The only person who will advocate for your position is your lawyer.
Protect Your Rights: Free Attorney Consultation
If your claim was denied, contact our Cleveland, Ohio, workers' compensation lawyers to arrange a free consultation.
