Workers’ Compensation Denied Claims Attorneys
Has Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Been Denied? Let RGMR Help!
Thousands of claim denials are issued every year, which means many workers don’t get fair compensation for their injuries.
If you were injured at work but your claim was denied, don’t give up.
Our experienced and compassionate attorneys Michael Gilbertson, Adian Martin, and Jeffrey Ratliff in Portland, OR are ready to learn about your situation, help you request a hearing, contest the denial, and fight for the benefits you deserve!
Claim Denials Are Often Unfair
Even claims for serious work-related injuries often get denied. Claims for lifting injuries that cause herniated discs or rotator cuff tears are frequently denied, while many simple claims, like broken bones and severe cuts, are accepted. In fact:
- Almost 15% of initial injury claims are denied.
- When a condition occurs from repetitive use, or hearing loss results from occupational exposure to noise, almost 33% are denied.
- For injured workers trying to reopen an already accepted claim with an aggravation claim, about 60% of those are denied.
Claim denials like these typically result in more than 7,000 workers’ compensation hearings each year. Workers win about half of those hearings, but working with an experienced attorney significantly increases your chances of winning and getting the benefits you deserve.
Why Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied?
A workers’ compensation claim can be denied for a number of reasons, but just because your claim was initially denied doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to compensation. The most common reasons for denial include:
Insurance Companies
Sometimes, insurance companies like SAIF, Liberty, Sedgwick, and Hartford, are simply hoping you won’t appeal the denial. The truth is that many people don’t appeal because they don’t know how to, allowing insurance companies to make a profit. Instead, that money should be paid to workers with legitimate claims.
In addition to denying claims that shouldn’t be denied, insurance companies sometimes may refuse to cover medical treatment costs, close cases earlier than they should, and underday workers their rightful compensation and benefits.
Your Employer
Another reason for a denial could be that your employer told the insurance company your injury was suspect. This could mean that your employer didn’t see your injury happen, that it was not reported on time, or that your employer believes you were injured somewhere else other than work.
A hearing can clear up this kind of confusion and get your claim covered. Let our experienced attorneys help you with this!
Filing Claims Incorrectly
Common mistakes when filing a workers’ comp claim include leaving out details, not advocating enough for yourself, not hiring a workers’ comp attorney to help you navigate the complicated legal process, or not following your doctor’s advice.
Learn about the 6 most common mistakes to avoid when filing a claim so you increase your chances of getting your workers’ comp claim approved.
IME Reports
Independent medical examination (IME) reports are the most common reason why claims get denied. Doctors who perform IMEs are hired by workers’ compensation insurance companies, like SAIF, to write reports on workers’ injuries.
Insurers often know what certain doctors typically say in their reports. For example, many IME doctors say that nearly all herniated discs are caused by a degenerative disease of the spine.
This means your injury claim can be denied because a hand-picked IME doctor says you have a pre-existing condition, even if your own doctor tells you it’s a workers’ comp injury. In this case, a hearing will often get your work-related injury covered.
Learn how to prepare for your doctor’s evaluation and advocate for yourself during the appointment to get the best possible result.
We’re On Your Side
Many workers’ compensation claims are wrongfully denied and navigating the legal world can be complicated and scary. If you’ve been denied workers’ comp benefits from a work injury, schedule a FREE consultation with us today.
We want to hear your story and answer your questions. Then we’ll go over your legal options and discuss the possible outcomes of your case.
We don’t charge fees, and we only collect a small percentage if you win or settle your case. If you don’t win or get a settlement, you don’t owe us anything.
With more than 70 years of combined experience working for injured people’s rights throughout all of Oregon, our legal team is ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Plus, we only get paid if you win. All your consultations with us are free, including the first one. Contact us today and tell us about your case.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We take on cases of any size and scope and we never back down.
Tell us about your case.