Workplace accidents happen all the time. While some workplace accidents result in nothing more than shock and minor bruises, others can lead to life-altering injuries. If you sustain a work-related injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical costs as well as lost income through the employer-sponsored workers’ compensation claim.
However, there are instances when both your employer and the insurance company can disown your workers’ comp claim. If they do, you might want to understand their motivation. Here are two grounds upon which your employer, through their insurance carrier, can challenge your workers’ comp claim.
If you had a preexisting condition
Insurance companies are in business to make profits. As such, they will make every effort to investigate a claim before discussing a settlement. A preexisting condition may not automatically disqualify you for a workers’ comp. However, if the condition makes it difficult for the insurance company to establish the real extent of your injuries, then they may dispute your claim. In this case, you will need to satisfy the court that the workplace injury aggravated your preexisting condition to boost your chance of winning your claim.
Significant delays
Simple procrastination might seem innocuous. However, they might be the sole reason for your claims’ denial. If you sustain a workplace injury in Pennsylvania, you will have 21 days to notify your employer of the accident that resulted in your injury. Additionally, you will have 3 years to file your workers’ compensation claim. It is extremely important that you take these timelines seriously. Your workers’ compensation claim will likely be denied if you do not report the injury promptly or file your claim within the statute of limitations period.
A workplace injury can turn your life upside down. However, knowing your legal options can help you avoid missteps that can lead to the denial of your claim.