Workplace injuries can derail an individual’s ability to earn an income and maintain physical health. When a valid workers’ compensation claim is denied, it can intensify the pressure faced during recovery. Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. (https://www.lgkg.com/why-was-my-workers-compensation-denied/), a law firm based in Pennsylvania, offers crucial information for individuals navigating these setbacks. The firm’s Western Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys are familiar with the state’s compensation laws and provide guidance to those who receive claim denials. The reasons behind claim rejections are often procedural or administrative, not necessarily reflective of the claim’s legitimacy.

A Western Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. explains that many claims are initially rejected due to factors like missed reporting deadlines or disputed connections between the injury and job duties. In cases where an employer or insurer argues that an injury did not occur at work or during job-related tasks, workers may feel stranded. Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. addresses these common denials and outlines the legal rights available to workers. By understanding the basis for a rejection, injured workers can take steps to reverse the decision and receive the benefits owed under Pennsylvania law.

Delays in reporting an injury or filing a claim are among the leading reasons for denial. A Western Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney can help individuals avoid or respond to rejections tied to timing or medical documentation. In Pennsylvania, an injury must typically be reported within 21 days, and failing to do so may limit eligibility for benefits. The law firm underscores the importance of prompt action and proper procedure following an injury to prevent disqualification on technical grounds. This legal framework, while designed to maintain order, can often confuse claimants unfamiliar with administrative requirements.

Another common hurdle involves disputes over medical treatment. In Pennsylvania, claimants may be obligated to seek care from employer-approved providers for the first 90 days. If treatment is received from a non-approved doctor during this window, it can result in claim denial. Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. advises that workers confirm treatment protocols before receiving care. A Western Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney from the firm can assist by reviewing treatment history and aligning it with employer policies to strengthen a claim.

Insurance companies may also contest the legitimacy of the injury itself, asserting it did not occur, was not serious enough to interfere with work, or did not happen on the job. These tactics are used to shift the burden onto injured workers to prove the validity of their cases. “An employer or an insurance company may try to deter you by claiming you were not injured or that your injury was not serious enough to prevent you from working,” the firm notes in its article. With the support of legal guidance and medical documentation, these denials can be appealed effectively.

In some cases, employment classification becomes a point of contention. Independent contractors are not typically eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania. A misclassification or misunderstanding about employment status can cause further complications. Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. assists in clarifying these distinctions and identifying whether workers meet eligibility under current laws.

The appeals process in Pennsylvania is structured and includes multiple levels of review. After a denied claim, the first step involves filing a Claim Petition with the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. If mediation fails, the case moves to formal hearings before a judge. Further appeals may be filed with the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board, and if necessary, the Commonwealth Court or even the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. These steps require precise attention to detail and strict adherence to deadlines. Legal representation can be critical in meeting procedural standards and presenting a persuasive case at each level of appeal.

Each phase of the appeal is time-sensitive. For instance, an appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board must be submitted within 20 days of receiving a judge’s decision. If that appeal fails, the next step to the Commonwealth Court must be taken within 30 days. This timeline continues through higher courts, making quick and informed action essential.

With experienced support from Western Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., workers can navigate these legal processes with greater confidence. The firm provides a strategic legal response to denial letters and supports injured workers from the initial filing to final resolution.

Workers denied compensation are encouraged to seek legal review of their denial as quickly as possible. Acting within the required deadlines and gathering appropriate documentation can influence the outcome. Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. stands ready to help workers protect their rights and pursue the benefits to which they are entitled under Pennsylvania law.

About Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.:

Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. is a Pennsylvania-based law firm representing individuals injured in workplace accidents and other personal injury matters. The firm focuses on advocating for injured workers throughout Western Pennsylvania, guiding clients through legal processes with clarity and direct action.

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Company Name: Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C.
Contact Person: Lauren Kelly Gielarowski
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Phone: (724) 658-8535
Address:315 N Mercer St
City: New Castle
State: Pennsylvania 16101
Country: United States
Website: https://www.lgkg.com/