Why Do Employers Fight Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Accidents at work can result in serious injuries. You might be qualified to file a workers’ compensation claim for benefits if you suffer an injury while performing your job duties. The nature and severity of your injuries will determine what benefits you may be eligible for, some of which are as follows:

• Reimbursement for medical expenses that you incurred during your treatment.
• You might be qualified to receive a portion of your lost salary due to absence from work.
• You can be eligible to receive a variety of permanent benefits if a healthcare professional concludes that you have a permanent injury with a fair level of medical certainty.
• You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation if your accident or injuries restrict you from working in the same field.

When can an employer contest a workers’ compensation claim?

Employers have the right to contest workers’ compensation claims if they think:

• You don’t have any severe wounds that need medical attention.
• Your injuries or the accident have nothing to do with your job.
• You don’t need to take time off of work. Your injuries aren’t severe enough.
• Previous injury, unconnected to work.
• You failed to submit the claim on time. You have 30 days from the time of the accident to notify your employer in order to make a claim.
• If you have lied about your injuries or made any false statements.
• Evidence does not support your claims.

Why do employers contest workers’ compensation claims made by employees?

There are many reasons why employers dispute workers’ compensation claims. They do it to safeguard the company’s reputation, deter other employees from making compensation claims, and lower insurance costs. Let’s delve into these points a bit further.

1. Company reputation at stake

Employers have a stake in maintaining their company’s reputation. A company’s stock price can drop and its profits can decline as a result of negative publicity. Employers may try to contest a workers’ compensation claim in an effort to prevent being held accountable.

2. Deterring other employees

Seeing that other workers’ compensation claims have been delayed due to lengthy filing processes and legal work or knowing that such claims have been denied in the past, makes employees wonder if it is worth the effort. This delay can be used as a means of deterrence by employers to prevent other workers from filing their claims.

3. Low Insurance Premiums

Workers’ compensation claims have an impact on a company’s insurance costs. Companies prefer to prevent or challenge workers’ compensation claims in order to avoid paying high insurance premiums.

At Kenton Koszdin Law Office, workers’ compensation attorneys are committed to helping injured workers and providing workers’ compensation assistance. If you’ve been injured or fallen ill in poor working conditions, we can help you navigate the often-complicated claim process with ease and the best possible outcome for you and your family. Call 818-293-4980 for your initial free consultation held in our office or from the comfort of your own home.