When a workplace accident causes painful injuries and missed work, you may feel comforted in knowing that you can file a workers’ compensation claim. However, the approval of these claims does not happen automatically.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry oversees workers’ compensation claims for Scranton residents. To prevent fraud, it must ensure claims are valid and legal before giving them a stamp of approval.
Common reasons for denial of benefits
Most denied workers’ compensation claims arise from mistakes made by the injured party. Compliance with the rules is critical to prevent the denial of your claim. Three common mistakes workers sometimes make when seeking benefits include the following:
- Failure to notify your employer of the incident in time
- Failure to seek medical treatment for your injury
- Failure to comply with physician instructions
Another reason for a denial is the statute of limitations. Say you injured your back at work, but it does not trouble you enough at first to file a claim. If the effects of the injury increase over the years, as they sometimes do with back injuries, you may wish to file a claim later. However, if the statute of limitations has expired, you risk losing your benefits.
We have four practical tips to help ensure the success of your worker’s compensation claim.
- Report the injury to your boss immediately
- Seek a medical opinion even if you feel okay
- Follow all medical instructions to the letter
- Save copies of all documents related to your workplace accident and injury
If your claim denial occurs because the Labor and Industry board or your employer suspects fraud or lack of work-related harm, consider seeking help. Learning more about Pennsylvania workers’ compensation laws can also help.
