When Your Claim Has Been Denied
When you’ve been hurt in a work-related accident, having your workers’ compensation claim denied is an added burden you shouldn’t have to bear. Like any other insurance company, Iowa workers’ comp insurance carriers are most profitable when they can minimize the number of claims against their policies. Unfortunately, they often go too far in the interest of protecting their bottom line. When workers’ compensation carriers unfairly deny claims and withhold benefits, injured Iowa workers and their families pay the price.
What Are Your Options after a Claim Denial?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have a right to know the reason for the denial. Furthermore, you may be able to successfully challenge the denial at this level of the claims process by providing additional information and refiling your claim.
If your efforts to resolve your workers’ comp dispute at this stage are unsuccessful, you can move on to filing a contested case before the Iowa Workers’ Compensation Commissioner. Although you aren’t required to have an attorney when appearing before the Commission, you’re much more likely to achieve a favorable result with a lawyer representing your interests. Even the Commission recommends that workers retain legal counsel.
When you appear before the Commission, you have the burden of proof to show that your claim was wrongfully denied. If you’re unsatisfied with the Commission’s decision, you can pursue your case in the Iowa courts.
Know Your Rights
If you have been hurt on the job, you’re entitled to important benefits. You also have important rights. At Keane Law Firm, helping Iowa workers learn about these rights is what attorney Ed Keane does every day.
If your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier wrongfully denies your claim or delays your benefits, you may be entitled to a maximum 50 percent penalty payment. If you would like a second opinion about your injuries, you are also entitled to receive an independent medical examination (at no cost to you) regarding the full extent of your permanent impairment. The insurance company has the right to select the treating physician. Does the treating physician want to give opinions favorable to the insurance company, which is sending him business? After more than three decades representing Iowa’s workers, attorney Ed Keane knows how to fight back against these tactics.
Get a Complimentary, No Obligation Consultation
At Keane Law Firm, attorney Ed Keane is passionate about workers’ rights, and he considers it a privilege to help people who deserve compensation for their injuries. You will never pay an initial consultation fee to talk to him about your case. Call Keane Law Firm today at 712-234-3088 to explore your options.
