Common Reasons For a Workers Compensation Denied Claim In Oklahoma

A Workers Compensation denied claim In Oklahoma is often times wrongfully done by the insurance company. Suffering an injury at work can be a devastating event. The pain and fear that you experience, coupled with the uncertainty of how you will provide for yourself and your family, can become a tremendous source of stress. Workers’ compensation laws may allow you to receive payments if you have been hurt on the job. But being approved for workers’ compensation benefits is not guaranteed, and there are many reasons why your claim could get denied. Here are a few of the more common reasons why your workers’ compensation claim may be denied.

You Waited Too Long To Report Your Injury

In Oklahoma, you have 30 days from the date of your injury to report it to your employer. If you do not report it during this time frame, your workers’ compensation claim may be denied. It is important to understand that the 30-day window only applies to reporting your injury to your employer. You have a much longer period of time in which to file your workers’ compensation claim.

Your Injury Was Not Work-Related

In order to be granted workers’ compensation benefits, you must have suffered your injury while you were at work or while performing work-related duties. If you were on break or doing something on your personal time, you may not be able to get workers’ compensation benefits. In addition, becoming injured on your way to or from work may also not be covered under workers’ compensation laws.

You Were Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol

Even if you suffer injuries while performing a work-related task, your claim may be denied if you were under the influence at the time of your injury. Many employers will require you to submit to drug or alcohol testing immediately following a workplace injury. If these tests indicate the presence of drugs or alcohol, your claim may be denied.

You Failed To Seek Out Medical Treatment

If you were hurt while on the job, you must be able to prove your injuries. The only way that you can do that is by receiving medical treatment. The medical records generated during your treatment will then be used by the workers’ compensation carrier to make a decision on your claim. If these records do not exist or are incomplete, your claim may be denied.

You Were Not An “Employee” At The Time Of Your Injury

In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must have been an employee at the time of your injury. How the law defines what an employee is may be different than what you think – just because you are at the work site does not necessarily mean that you are an employee of the company paying you. Similarly, if you were laid off or in the hiring phase when you were hurt, you may not be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.

Tulsa Okla. Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Injured on the job in Oklahoma? If so, you might be eligible for important monetary benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim. However, the workers’ compensation system is extraordinarily complicated, and many people who have sought benefits have been denied for the wrong reasons or because they did not get advice from a skilled workers’ compensation attorney. To understand your options and rights, it makes sense for you to contact an Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your case. Kania Law Office has the experience and discernment to help you make your way through workers’ compensation issues. We are ready to help you today. Reach out to Kania Law Office by calling (918) 743-2233 or by contacting us online.