If you contracted an illness or sustained an injury on the job in Connecticut, you probably trust your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to cover your medical bills and lost wages. Running into an unexpected claim denial may feel like a shock, but there are steps you can take to protect your rights. Learn how to proceed after a denied workers’ compensation claim in Connecticut and how an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can support your case.

Reasons for Denied Workers’ Comp Claims in Connecticut

You may believe you have a straightforward workplace injury case and fail to see how an insurance carrier could deny your claim. However, insurance companies will generally try to protect their interests and attempt to pay as little as possible, especially if you’re handling your claim without the help of an attorney.

A workers’ comp insurance carrier may:

• Deny your claim for technical reasons, like failing to notify your employer soon enough or allegedly missing a filing deadline
• Question the extent of your injury and try to prove the damage isn’t as serious as you claim
• Assert your accident wasn’t work-related because you were off-site or off-duty at the time of the accident
• Try to pin your injury on a pre-existing condition, like a back injury or a chronic disease
• Dispute your employee status and class you as an independent contractor instead

What to Do After a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim

If a workers’ comp insurance carrier denies your claim, you can submit an appeal. Some unprincipled insurers use bullying or misleading tactics, hoping you’ll give up on your legal rights to compensation. Don’t let an insurance company intimidate you – contact a skilled workers’ comp attorney to assess your case and let you know whether you have grounds for a claim.

Most disputes over denied workers’ comp claims involve the following stages:

• An informal hearing at the Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) offices. During this brief conference, the WCC Commissioner serves as a mediator and arbiter. Both parties have the right to bring an attorney to this meeting.
• A pre-formal hearing, if the parties fail to reach an agreement at the informal hearing. This meeting may either settle your case or pinpoint disputed issues and prepare the case for trial.
• A formal hearing at the presence of a WCC Commissioner. This hearing resembles a court trial, with presentation of evidence, witness testimonies, and so forth. It’s vital to have an attorney represent you at this stage.

Within 120 days, the Commissioner must either approve or dismiss your claim. If you disagree with the decision, you may file an appeal with the CRB (Compensation Review Board) within 20 days.

How a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help You Dispute a Claim Denial

If you encounter a denied workers’ comp claim, you need reliable legal counsel and support. Your workers’ comp lawyer can advocate for your rights and help you recover compensation by:

• Analyzing the insurer’s reasons for denying your claim
• Addressing and countering the arguments against your claim
• Gathering relevant evidence, like medical experts’ opinions and other supporting materials
• Handling your appeal and filing all the necessary paperwork
• Representing your interests throughout any WCC hearings

The Law Offices of James A. Welcome: Fighting for the Rights of Injured Workers in Connecticut

Did your employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier deny your claim or offer you a lowball settlement? Contact us at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, a law firm with over 18 years of experience representing injured workers and their families in Connecticut. Our experienced legal team can assess your case, appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim, and protect your rights throughout the claim process.  

Call (475) 241-0824 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.