Do workers’ compensation claims get automatic approval?
Worker’ compensation insurance provides you with a safety net if you suffer a work-related accident or illness. Because it is a no-fault insurance, you might assume that the insurers automatically approve all claims they receive. Sadly, the truth is very different, and many people submit their claims only to have them rejected.
Insurance companies operate for profit. Despite their adverts telling you how they are there to help you in your time of need, their shareholders are their primary concern, so they often go to great lengths to find a way to deny a claim.
Most workers’ compensation claim denials are easily avoidable
Filing a claim is not straightforward, yet it need not be too complicated with the right help and understanding of the process. While some claims get rejected for complex reasons, most denials happen for elementary reasons, many times because the person filing the claim has never done it before. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Being late: You must meet the relevant cut-off points for reporting your injury and submitting your claim.
- Doing what the insurer tells you: Put yourself in the position of the insurer — are you going to encourage claimants to go to a doctor who will cost you massive amounts or one who will cost you as little as possible? Choosing your doctor rather than the one the insurer recommends may result in a fairer appraisal of your situation.
- Not reading the form correctly: Rushing a claim form is like rushing an exam at school — you are likely to miss something important.
Seeing an insurer reject your workers‘ compensation claim can be distressing. What is worse, it could leave you in financial difficulty. Having experienced help on your side from the start will increase the chance that you get the compensation package you need.