Georgia workers deserve compensation if they get hurt on the job. But just because they file a claim doesn’t always mean it goes through. Unfortunately, receiving that denial letter can present workers and their families with great adversity. That’s because the injured may wonder how they’ll receive care and have an income while they’re recovering from their condition.
Potential reasons for a denial
While workers’ circumstances may vary, these are a few reasons why a claim might get denied:
- The injury didn’t get reported in time to the employer
- The employer disputed the injury claim
- The worker did not get medical treatment for their ailment
- The injury was not considered compensable
If the worker disputes these claims, they may want to check back with their employer and its insurance provider to see if there was a miscommunication. If that’s not the case, they may want to consider their next move.
Workers can appeal the rejection
Here in Georgia, employers with three or more workers legally have to provide them with workers’ compensation insurance. If their claim gets denied, they have approximately one year to appeal it. If one wishes to do so, they can file a hearing with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. In some cases, the board may require them to settle their dispute through mediation. If workers are not satisfied with the results, they may want to seek legal counsel.
Understanding what to do is important
When workers receive that denial letter, it can create severe hardships for them and their families. That’s why it’s crucial they know the reasons why their claim may get rejected and what they can do about it.
