My Supervisor Rejected My Workers’ Compensation Claim

On Behalf of | Oct 2, 2019 | Firm News

Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation lawyers for workers' whose claims are rejected by their employer.

It may surprise you if your supervisor or boss rejected your Workers’ Compensation claim. However, it is not uncommon. An employer rejecting a Workers’ Compensation claim does not mean that you should give up. If your insurance claim was rejected, you have the right to seek legal counsel to help you obtain compensation for your work injuries.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation provides medical and wage benefits to employees injured on the job or who became ill due to a work-related illness. Workers’ Compensation also provides death benefits to families of employees who were killed on the job. Most states are required by law to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance for their employees. Failure to do so may lead to employers paying serious consequences, including the possibility of imprisonment.

Workers’ Compensation does not cover employees if:

  • Injuries were received while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs
  • Injuries were self-inflicted
  • The employee violated company policies or disregarded safety rules when they were injured
  • The employee was not on the job when they were injured

Why Workers’ Compensation Claims are Denied

Workers’ Compensation claims may be denied for several different reasons. These reasons include bosses and insurance companies feeling like an employee does not qualify for benefits or as a cost-savings measure. Workers’ Compensation claims may also be denied if your injury was not reported or filed in time according to your state’s laws. In the state of Pennsylvania, a claim can be denied if the claim was submitted after the 120-day deadline and if the employer claimed that the employee engaged in illegal activity.

Demanding a Hearing

If your Workers’ Compensation claim was denied, you may contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to request a hearing in front of a Workers’ Compensation judge. This gives you and your employer the opportunity to call witnesses and provide documentation supporting your claims.

Appealing the Decision

If your claim was denied, you have the right to appeal the decision to the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board. After that, it will be up to a judge from the state Bureau of Workers’ Compensation to either approve or deny your claim. You will need a Workers’ Compensation lawyer, as well as any medical documentation that specifies the reasons for the denial. You must have a valid reason as to why you are appealing.

Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Represent Workers Injured on the Job

The process of appealing a Workers’ Compensation claim can be difficult without the right lawyer. Contact a Pittsburgh Workers’ Compensation lawyer at AlpernSchubert P.C. today who will fight tirelessly to obtain the compensation you deserve for your injuries. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at 412-765-1888. Located in Pittsburgh, we represent clients in Allegheny County, Washington County, Lawrence County, and throughout western Pennsylvania.