Denied Workers’ Comp Claim in Macon? How You Can Fight It

• February 5, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Workers' Compensation

You are working at a busy construction site, moving building material, when all of a sudden you hear an explosion.  The impact of the blast throws you into a pile of debris 5 feet away.  Your neck, back, and spine are injured in the accident, and you subsequently miss many months of work due to your injuries.  You file a workers’ comp claim with your employer and, after a week, you are notified that your claim has been denied.

A denial of a workers’ comp claim in Macon, GA, can be frustrating and can cause severe anxiety and stress.  However, there is hope.  With the help of a Macon workers’ comp attorney, you can file an appeal with the workers’ compensation board.  This blog post will discuss methods you can use to fight a denied workers’ comp claim in Macon, GA.

Common Reasons For Workers’ Comp Claim Denials in Macon

There are many reasons why a workers’ comp claim may be denied by the insurance company. An insurance company will look for any reason, even minutely relevant, to deny a claim.  Some of the most common are:

• Lack of Proper Documentation – It is extremely important to not only fill out the proper documents correctly, but they must be filed on time.  When filing a claim with your employer, make sure you have complete medical records, accident reports, and statements from witnesses.  Also, make sure you fill out all parts of the form and that no section is incomplete or inaccurate.  It also helps to keep and organize any records related to the accident.
• Disputes Over the Injury – The insurance company may argue that your injury is not work related or did not occur while you were performing a work-related activity. For example, they may argue that your accident occurred while you were driving home, when the accident actually occurred when you were dropping a document off at a clients’ office.
• Missed Deadlines – Georgia has very strict deadlines for filing a workers’ compensation claim.  For example, you have 30 days to report the injury to your employer.  Also, you have up to one year to file a claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.  If you do not follow these strict deadlines, you may forfeit your right to benefits from workers’ comp.
• Pre-Existing Conditions – Georgia law states that workers are entitled to workers’ comp benefits even if a work injury exacerbates pre-existing conditions.  Insurance companies will attempt to use any pre-existing condition to lessen the amount they pay out on a claim.  This is a complex issue, so make sure you have a Macon, GA, workers’ compensation attorney on your side.
• Independent Contractor Status – Under Georgia law, independent contractors do not qualify for workers’ compensation.  Insurance companies may try to prove that you are an independent contractor even though you are considered an employee.  There are many considerations that go into defining an independent contractor, so consult with an attorney.

Steps To Take After a Workers’ Comp Denial

If you have been denied workers’ comp benefits, you shouldn’t give up on your claim.  Georgia has a process in place whereby you can appeal your claim.  If your claim has been denied, follow these steps:

• Review the Denial Letter Carefully – It is important to understand the reason behind the denial of benefits.  The issue could be easily fixed by filing a different document or filling out a form correctly.
• Gather Additional Evidence – Depending on the reason for the denial, you may need to gather more evidence to support your claim.  Additional letters from physicians or an updated list of medications may be needed.
• File an Appeal – You have 20 days from the date of the workers’ comp hearing to file a notice of appeal.  You then  have 20 days from the filing date to submit your briefs.  After both sides have submitted, an administrative judge will render an opinion.  Most appeal cases do not require a hearing in front of a judge.
• Consider Mediation As an Option – While not mandatory, having a third-party mediator decide on your claim could save time and money.

How a Macon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

You should not try to file an appeal for a workers’ comp denial on your own.  There was a specific reason why it was denied, and you should have a qualified attorney on your side to make sure your rights are protected.  A workers’ comp lawyer can also help with the following:

• Navigate the Complex System – The workers’ comp system in Georgia can be complicated, especially if yours is not an open-and-shut case.  An experienced Macon workers’ comp attorney can ease the process for you.
• Gather Evidence – Your attorney knows the right type of evidence you will need in order to support your workers’ comp claim.
• Negotiate With the Insurance Company – Nobody wants to deal with adversarial insurance companies, especially after a work accident.  Let the professionals negotiate your case while you spend needed time recovering from your injuries.
• Represent You at a Hearing – If your claim requires a hearing, a qualified workers’ comp attorney can present your case to best protect your rights to benefits.

We hope that this blog post has helped you understand what happens when your workers’ compensation claim is denied.

Contact the Mann Law Firm Today To Discuss Your Workers’ Comp Claim Denial

It is important not to throw in the towel if your workers’ comp claim has been denied.  With a strong attorney at your side, your case can be appealed.  But you must take action as quickly as possible, because there is a small window of time available to file an appeal in your case.  We will need that time period to come up with a strong strategy. So, give the Mann Law Firm a call today at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation regarding your claim.  We do not collect a fee unless you obtain benefits. At the Mann Law Firm, you come first.