Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that is intended to cover employees of a business when they are hurt in the normal course of employment. For example, someone who is using machinery and then gets caught in the blades would have coverage for any medical care they need as well as compensation for lost wages. They may receive additional benefits as well.
There is sometimes a misconception that people will not be able to get workers’ compensation if the employer didn’t cause the accident in some way, either through intentional misconduct or oversights. The reality is that anyone can seek workers’ compensation when they’re hurt on the job.
When are claims denied?
The claim you make might not be approved if the injuries were intentional and can be proved as such. For instance, if your employer saw you intentionally put your arm under a falling weight, they could dispute the claim that you were hurt accidentally. However, it does come down to the insurance company’s final say, and you and your attorney can discuss ways to provide supporting evidence that the incident was an accident if necessary.
Claims may also be denied if you’re mislabeled as an independent contractor. Independent contractors are not legally eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you’re misidentified as an independent contractor, that’s something that your attorney can help you correct, so that you may have other ways to seek compensation moving forward.
Our site has more on workers’ compensation and what you should expect if you need to make a claim. If your claim is denied, your attorney can help you appeal that decision.
