Every year, tens of thousands of Pennsylvania employees are injured on the job. After suffering a workplace injury or illness, the last thing you may anticipate is having your workers' compensation claim denied. However, this occurs on occasion.
The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act, which requires employers to provide workers' compensation coverage, entitles injured workers to benefits. It's a no-fault system where an injured worker can collect payments to replace their wages and for medical care for their injuries, regardless of who was at fault for the workplace accident.
When you are injured, you likely anticipate receiving your workers' compensation benefits as soon as possible. Before benefits can be distributed, the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Bureau requires information to be legally submitted. If you miss a single step in the claims procedure, your claim may be denied or your benefits reduced.
The purpose of the workers' compensation benefit system is to defend employers from lawsuits arising from on-the-job accidents or illnesses while also enabling injured workers to quickly recover and return to work.
In some situations, a workers' compensation claim may be denied, but that does not mean the decision is final. With the assistance of a knowledgeable Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney, you can ensure that such events do not occur and understand what options are available if they do.
What are the Reasons Why My PA Workers’ Comp Claim May Be Denied?
There are numerous reasons why claims for workers' compensation may be denied. Here are some instances where this may occur:
Your employer or insurance provider believes that your illness or injury was pre-existing or unrelated to your employment, and they argue against your eligibility for benefits
The majority of employers send workers' compensation claims to an insurance company. These insurance companies are tasked with minimizing damages and compensation payments. It is not unheard of for an insurance company to make the claim that a pre-existing condition or injury caused or contributed to your current condition. An experienced Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney can assist in gathering evidence and building a case to demonstrate that a pre-existing condition was made worse by a workplace injury.
You have missed deadlines or submitted incomplete paperwork
You have a limited amount of time to notify your employer of a work-related illness or injury and initiate the claims process. The time limit for submitting a claim is typically three years from the date of the accident. If you fail to report a workplace injury within 120 days, your coverage may be terminated. If your claim is denied due to missed deadlines or filing errors, contact a Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney for assistance.
You did not see an approved doctor
In many instances, an employee who has been injured on the job is able to see their own doctor. However, Pennsylvania's workers' compensation law also permits employers to require injured employees to see a particular doctor. This is referred to as the Panel Acknowledgment.
A Panel Acknowledgement is a list of at least six physicians that an employer may require a worker to visit following a workplace injury.
My PA Workers’ Comp Claim Was Denied. What Can I Do Now?
You may file a claim petition as soon as you receive the denial from your employer's insurance company. If you do not receive any response within 21 days of reporting your workplace injury, you may file a claim. In order to obtain the money you are owed, you will need to file your petition as soon as possible. The sooner you file your petition, the sooner a judge will review your case and make a decision.
You can file a claim petition independently, but we do not recommend it. Your claim petition must include an abundance of specific information. A lawyer who has handled numerous claim petitions in the past can guarantee that no errors are made, no sections of the form are omitted, and nothing is filled out incorrectly. Claim petitions may be denied on the basis of informational technicalities. You want to ensure that your case receives a hearing.
Once you appear at the hearing, you will be required to testify about the injury, any prior similar medical issues, additional pertinent facts, and medical evidence from a doctor. Brandon J. Broderick is a competent and knowledgeable Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney who can assist you in ensuring the successful management of your claim.
Don’t Delay; Contact PA Workers’ Comp Attorney Brandon J. Broderick Today For a Free Case Evaluation
Before initiating the process of recovering your financial losses, Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law prioritizes restoring your health and well-being. To pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, we handle all insurance company communications and negotiations. Do not assume responsibility for medical bills and expenses that are not your fault.
We are committed to assisting clients in Pennsylvania with their workers’ compensation and personal injury cases. We have the decades of experience and extensive resources required to secure a positive outcome for your claim. Our attorneys prioritize client care and meeting your needs. Contact us immediately for a free consultation.