Filing a workers’ compensation claim should be straightforward—you got hurt at work, you reported it, and you receive benefits while you recover. But when your employer disputes your claim, the process becomes complicated, stressful, and potentially devastating to your financial stability. Understanding what happens next can help you protect your rights.
Why Employers Dispute Valid Claims
Employers and their insurance carriers dispute claims to avoid paying benefits and to keep their workers’ compensation premiums low. Common reasons for disputes include:
- Claiming the injury didn’t happen at work
- Arguing that a pre-existing condition caused your symptoms
- Asserting you weren’t performing job duties when injured
- Alleging you failed to report the injury promptly
Sometimes they simply deny the severity of your injuries or claim you’re exaggerating your limitations.
The Immediate Impact on You
When your claim is disputed, your benefits stop or never start. You’re left without compensation for medical bills, lost wages, or ongoing treatment. Meanwhile, your injuries still need care, your bills continue piling up, and you can’t work. The financial pressure is immediate and intense, which is exactly what employers count on—they hope you’ll give up or accept a minimal settlement out of desperation.
The Appeals Process Begins
Disputing a claim triggers a formal appeals process through the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. You’ll need to gather medical evidence, witness statements, and documentation proving your injury is work-related. The burden of proof shifts to you to demonstrate the validity of your claim.
This process involves hearings, medical examinations by independent doctors, and potentially lengthy delays while your case is reviewed.
Your Employer’s Legal Arsenal
Your employer has experienced attorneys and insurance adjusters working to discredit your claim. They’ll scrutinize your medical records looking for pre-existing conditions, conduct surveillance to catch you performing activities that contradict your stated limitations, and hire medical experts to testify that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed or aren’t work-related.
The Stakes Are Higher Than You Think
A denied workers’ compensation claim doesn’t just affect your current situation—it can impact your ability to receive future benefits, damage your employment relationship, and leave you personally liable for thousands in medical expenses. You need experienced legal representation to level the playing field and fight for the benefits you legally deserve.
The Law Offices of Tim Misny can help you with your disputed workers’ compensation claim. When your employer is fighting to deny you benefits, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call my office at (877) 614-9524 so I can evaluate your case right away.
