Can An Employer Dispute a Workers' Compensation Claim?

In workers' compensation cases, an employer may dispute a claim if they believe the employee’s injury or illness is not work-related, if the employee did not follow proper reporting procedures, or if there are concerns about fraud. Disputes can also arise if the employer disagrees with the severity of the injury or the amount of compensation. Employees who have their claims disputed have the right to seek legal recourse.

Steps an Employer Can Take to Dispute a Workers' Compensation Claim:

Challenging the Injury's Connection to Work:

The employer may dispute the claim if they believe the injury did not occur at the workplace or during the course of employment. They may argue that the injury happened outside of work or was caused by factors unrelated to the job.

Questioning the Severity of the Injury:

If the employer feels the injury is not as severe as claimed, they may challenge the level of disability or the employee’s ability to return to work. Medical evidence may be disputed, leading the employer to request a second opinion or independent medical examination (IME).

Failure to Report or Follow Procedure:

Employers may dispute a claim if the employee did not report the injury in a timely manner or failed to follow the prescribed reporting procedures. Most workers' compensation laws require employees to report injuries within a specific time frame.

Allegations of Fraud:

Employers may dispute a claim if they suspect that the injury is fabricated or exaggerated. This could involve cases where an employee is believed to have staged the injury or exaggerated its impact.

Disagreement Over the Amount of Compensation:

Employers may disagree with the calculated compensation, particularly if they believe the employee is receiving more than they are entitled to, or if the injury is being treated as more severe than it is.

Legal Actions and Protections:

Filing a Dispute with Workers’ Compensation Board:

If an employer disputes a claim, they can file a dispute with the relevant Workers' Compensation Board or authority. The case is then reviewed, and both parties are given a chance to present their evidence and arguments.

Appeals Process:

If a claim is denied, the employee can appeal the decision through a formal process. The employee may need to provide additional evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness testimonies, or documentation proving the injury’s work-related nature.

Mediation or Settlement:

In some cases, the employer and employee may attempt to resolve the dispute through mediation or settlement negotiations before going to court or undergoing formal legal proceedings.

Legal Representation:

Both employers and employees can hire attorneys to represent them during a dispute. Employees, in particular, may seek help from a lawyer experienced in workers' compensation law to ensure their claim is properly handled.

Example:

An employee sustains a back injury while lifting heavy equipment at work. They file a workers' compensation claim. The employer disputes the claim, arguing that the injury occurred while the employee was off-duty and not performing any work-related tasks. The employer submits evidence, including witness testimony, to suggest the injury happened outside of work hours. In response, the employee provides medical records and testimony from coworkers who witnessed the injury occur while performing work duties. The case is taken to the workers' compensation board for review, where both parties present their arguments, and the board makes a final decision.