A serious work-related injury can affect your career, relationships, and enjoyment in life. It can be particularly difficult to cope with an on-the-job injury if the insurance company refuses to step up to the plate and cover your medical bills and lost income.
In the state of Mississippi, most injured workers are guaranteed payment for certain medical benefits and lost income if they are injured on the job. It is important to remember, though, that insurance companies boost their profits by denying and undervaluing workers’ compensation claims, so they will look for any possible excuse to do so.
There are many reasons why an insurance company might dispute your claim. This may happen if:
- Your injury occurred due to your own misconduct;
- You waited too long to file your claim; or
- Your injury existed before the work-related accident.
Sometimes, insurance companies deny or undervalue claims without justification. If you believe that your workers’ compensation claim was handled unfairly, contact Ballard Law, PLLC.
Attorney William E. Ballard will assess your situation and explain your options for recovering compensation. If you have not yet filed your claim, Mr. Ballard can handle the paperwork and administrative tasks to give your claim the best opportunity for success. If your claim was denied, he can help you appeal the decision with the Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Jackson.
Let’s examine three common reasons why insurance companies and employers deny workers’ compensation claims:
- Your Injury Occurred Due to Your Own Misconduct
In the state of Mississippi, employees can claim workers’ compensation even if they are at-fault for the accident; however, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if your injury was self-inflicted or if you caused an accident because you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the insurance company can deny your claim.
- You Waited Too Long to File Your Claim
It is important that you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. If you wait longer than 30 days to report your injury, you may lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Keep in mind that the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims is two years from the date of the injury, so if the insurance company or your employer has not paid your disability benefits, you must take legal action before the two-year statute of limitations has expired, or it is likely that your lawsuit will be dismissed.
- Your Injury Existed before the Work-Related Accident
The insurance company may deny your claim if you had a pre-existing injury; however, if you or your attorney can prove that the work-related accident aggravated the injury, you may still be able to recover compensation.
If you were injured on the job, contact Ballard Law, PLLC to discuss your case. William E. Ballard will help you navigate the claims process and avoid costly mistakes. Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney in Mississippi.
