Common Reasons For Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims Denials and How To Fight Back

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Maryland should be a relatively straightforward process. You get hurt on the job, you report it, and you receive the benefits you need to recover. However, it doesn’t always work this way.

In too many cases, workers get denied benefits. Our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains the common reasons for denials and how to fight back.

Top Reasons for Denied Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that nearly 40,000 workers suffer on-the-job injuries in Maryland each year. While benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) help cover your lost wages, medical care, and other costs, insurers often look for any reason to deny or minimize claims. Among the top reasons include:

• Missing the deadline to report the injury to your employer, which Maryland law requires within ten days of the accident.
• The insurer argues the injury did not happen at work or wasn’t caused by your job duties.
• A disputed medical diagnosis where the insurer’s doctor disagrees with your treating physician’s findings.
• Not seeking medical treatment promptly after the injury, which insurers use to question the severity of your claim.
• Allegations that the injury resulted from a pre-existing condition rather than a workplace accident.
• Missing paperwork or errors in the initial claim filing that give the insurer grounds to reject the submission.

While getting a denial letter can feel devastating, keep in mind that it is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the insurer’s decision.

What To Do if Your Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits Get Denied

If you are denied benefits for on-the-job injuries, the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act gives you the right to appeal, but it is important to act quickly. Maryland has strict deadlines that govern the appeals process, and missing them can permanently affect your ability to recover benefits.

To protect your rights in a Maryland workers’ comp claim, take these steps:

• Review the denial letter carefully to understand the specific reason the insurer gave for rejecting your claim.
• Gather all medical records, incident reports, witness statements, and other documentation that support your claim.
• Continue following your doctor’s treatment plan and attending all scheduled appointments.
• File an issues claim with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission to request a formal hearing.

To protect yourself and your rights to benefits, consult an experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible to evaluate your options and prepare your case.

Denied Benefits? Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Getting denied benefits in a Maryland workers’ compensation claim can feel devastating. Fortunately, you have the right to file an appeal. At Berman, Sobin, Gross, Feldman & Darby LLP, we can review the details of your denial, identify the strongest arguments in your favor, and fight to get you the maximum benefits you are owed.

The sooner you act, the more options you are likely to have. Contact our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney to request a consultation today.

Sources:

bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_maryland.htm mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gle&section=9-736&enactments=false