When you get hurt at work, workers compensation should cover your injuries. This coverage means that you would receive certain workers compensation benefits. In Georgia, the main benefits provided by workers compensation are:
Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always pay these benefits. Sometimes, they deny all or part of your case. This article discusses how the workers compensation insurance company denies your case and what you can do when your case has been denied.
How does the workers compensation insurance company deny your case?
In a Georgia workers compensation case, the insurance company should file something called a “controvert” if they deny your case. Controvert is just a fancy word for denial.
Under Georgia law, the insurance company should use certain forms to deny your case. The form that you receive from the insurance company denying your case should be either a Form WC-1 or a Form WC-3.
Does the insurance company need certain evidence to deny your workers compensation case?
The insurance company does not have to have any particular type of evidence to deny your case. They can just choose to approve it or deny it. So, you may receive a denial from the insurance company even when your case should have been accepted.
This can be very frustrating. I have seen many situations where insurance companies deny workers compensation coverage for injuries that should be covered. Some of the common reasons that an insurance company might deny your case include:
A hearing allows you the opportunity to prove you case to a workers compensation judge. The judge hears the evidence presented by both sides and makes a decision about whether you should receive workers compensation benefits.
Do you have to hire a workers compensation attorney to appeal the denial of your case?
No. You do not have to hire an attorney to appeal the denial of your case. Proceeding to a hearing without an attorney in a a case is referred to as “pro se”. This means that you are representing yourself.
While you can represent yourself in a workers compensation hearing, I would not recommend it. There are specific rules under Georgia’s workers compensation law regarding the presentation of evidence. If you do not present your evidence correctly, the judge will not be able to consider it.
Also, you generally have the burden of proof in a workers compensation case. This means that you lose if you do not prove all parts of your case to the judge. A few of the things that you could have to prove include:
Jurisdiction
The Employer was subject to the Workers Compensation Act on the date of injury
The Employer was insured on the date of injury
Venue
Employment on the date of injury
Accident in the course of employment
Accident arising out of the employment
Notice
Injury
Disability
Average weekly wage
Understanding the workers compensation law is a very important part of being able to prove your case to a judge. If you do not understand the law extremely well, you will probably not put up the right evidence to prove all elements of your case.
If you are appealing the denial of your case, speak to a workers compensation attorney to find out what can be done and to make a good decision about whether you should hire an attorney or not. My firm provides free consultations about your case so you can talk to us and learn what we could offer before making a decision to hire us.
What if I have other questions about workers compensation?
Georgia’s workers compensation system can be very confusing. You have to worry about getting the treatment you need and paying your bills while also worrying about not missing any deadlines that could cause you to lose your right to receive workers compensation benefits.
If you have questions, I would recommend that you try to get answers. To find out more about how to schedule a time to talk to me about your workers compensation questions, just read this short article.
Jason Perkins is an attorney who specializes in representing injured workers. He regularly publishes videos and write blog articles about Georgia’s workers compensation system and issues that are important to injured workers and their families.
To be notified of Jason’s new workers compensation videos, subscribe to his Georgia Workers Compensation Video Series channel on YouTube by clicking the subscribe button below.
Navigating Georgia’s workers’ compensation system can be a daunting task, leaving you with numerous questions and uncertainties. If you find yourself in this situation, we strongly encourage you to seek clarification and find the answers you need. Perkins Studdard is here to help you through this process and provide the support you deserve.
