Generally, if you are injured at work, you will be eligible for worker’s compensation benefits to cover those injuries and the time that you must take off work. Unfortunately, not all employers are keen to pay up and the process for receiving benefits can be confusing.
Here are some common reasons for denial of worker’s compensation claims:
You do not notify your employer
Sometimes, it’s the details that keep a claim from success. In Minnesota, you must tell your employer about your injury in 14 days if you want to receive maximum benefits. You can also tell them within 30 days, but it may put you at a disadvantage to wait that long.
The statute of limitations runs out
Each state also has a statute of limitations within which you are eligible to file a claim. Minnesota says that you have three years after your injury to file for worker’s compensation. If you miss that window, though, you may not be able to receive benefits.
Lack of a link between injury and work
When you file a claim, you must be able to show that the cause of your injury is related to work. It is common for employers to use this as a reason to deny benefits. If there is no known cause of your injury or if there is not a direct link to your employment, there may be a denial of your claim.
An exaggerated claim
If you exaggerate the severity or impact of your injury, it can affect your claim. This means that you may have a reduction in benefits or time off work or a denial of your claim entirely.
Willful negligence or horseplay
You may experience denial of your worker’s compensation claim if your employer says that you are responsible for it by engaging in roughhousing or acting negligently. For example, if you work while intoxicated or violate safety regulations, you may not have a successful claim.
If you sustain an injury at work, it’s important to carefully follow the regulations for filing your claim. If your claim is denied for one of these or another reason, you may still have options for pursuing benefits.
