On what grounds are workers’ compensation claims challenged?

Workers’ compensation insurance is a requirement for all New Jersey employers not covered by federal programs. When a worker is hurt on the job or in the course of performing their work-related duties, they may be eligible for benefits to support them as they recover from their harm. Many forms of injuries, from repetitive stress injuries to acute injuries from accidents, are compensable through workers’ compensation.

However, in some cases a worker may make a request for workers’ compensation and have their claim denied by their employer or insurer. This post will address some of the most common reasons for claim denials.

Related to work

One reason employers attempt to deny workers’ claims is if they think the injuries the workers suffered were not work-related. For example, if an employer believes their employee got hurt on their own time and not during work time, they may attempt to deny the claim because it was not based on a work-related injury.

Type or duration of benefit

Other denials may be based on the types of benefits workers seek through their claims. An employer may not want to approve a benefit that lasts longer than what they believe will be the true duration of their employee’s absence from work because of their injury. Workers can fight these denials to get the benefits they need.

Getting legal help

It can be incredibly frustrating for an injured worker who needs workers’ compensation support to be hit with a denial from their employer. They may financially struggle to support themselves and their family as they take time from work to heal. There are options, though, for workers in this difficult situation, and opportunities through the law to seek relief.