If an employee is hurt at work, they may be entitled to financial restitution through the workers’ compensation program. This way, the injured employee can receive the finances they need to take care of the resulting medical bills, lost income and other damages.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a seemingly credible workers’ compensation claim to end in denial. Fortunately, a denied workers’ compensation claim isn’t the end of the road. You can always appeal. Before you do so, however, it helps to understand why your claim could have fallen through the cracks in the first place.
Here are two common reasons why workers’ compensation claims are rejected:
1. The injury wasn’t work-related
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees who are hurt in the course of their work. These include employees who sustain injuries or develop work-related illnesses. And since Texas recognizes the “Coming and Going” rule, you may also be eligible for compensation if you are hurt while performing an employer-approved task or errand.
Thus, if your injuries happened outside the scope of your work, both your employer and the insurance company will likely deny your claim.
2. If your miss crucial deadlines
Time is of the essence when dealing with any legal matter. According to Texas laws, you are required to report any work-related injury to your employer in writing within 30 days from the date of the injury. Additionally, you have up to one year from the date of the injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. It is in your best interest that you take these timelines seriously.
No one knows when a workplace mishap will happen. Thus, understanding how Texas workers’ compensation claims work is crucial to your future.