WORK COMP - DENIAL OF CLAIM

Hibu Websites • March 31, 2021

WORK COMP - DENIAL OF CLAIM

25 May, 2018

WORK COMP : DENIAL OF CLAIM

 Q. In some circumstances a worker sustains an injury and asks the insurance company to provide benefits. After investigation the insurance company responds that it believes there is no merit to the claim and refuses to make payments of medical, or other weekly benefits. Does this position by the insurance company end the worker’s right to benefits?

  A. No. Very often an insurance company will conduct its investigation quickly and miss important points concerning the facts, or the law pertaining to an injury. The denial of the claim by the insurance company does not diminish, in any regard, the rights of the worker.

            It is disappointing that an insurance company will not immediately accept the claim as compensable but this does not mean that you should stop your efforts to provide information, or factual material that will support the claim. Sometimes the doctor is asked whether the work injury caused the problem requiring surgery or treatment. The doctor may answer no if the worker had a pre-existing condition which was lit up or aggravated by the work. Yet, the claim would be compensable. Sometimes, the insurance company will have conflicting evidence and deny a winnable claim.

             Understand that an insurance company is in an adversarial relationship with you. Its only interest is to take care of the insurance company, not you. For that reason you do not have to rely upon the insurance company to figure out the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Once the insurance company has the appropriate information, and still refuses to provide benefits, you should consult with an attorney of your choice to determine if the insurance company is wrong.   
Slip & fall accident victim lying on ground before contacting a Des Moines personal injury attorney.
By 7016408197 March 9, 2026
After a slip or fall, reporting the injury immediately protects evidence and your claim. Learn why from a Des Moines personal injury attorney.
Doctor discussing a severe back injury  that occurred while working.
By 7016408197 February 23, 2026
Facing conflicting return-to-work opinions after a job injury? Urbandale, IA workers’ comp attorneys explain whose doctor carries more weight and your legal options.
Driver taking photos at a car accident scene after a crash where fault may be shared.
By 7016408197 February 9, 2026
Can you still recover compensation if an accident was partly your fault in Iowa? West Des Moines injury attorneys explain comparative fault and your rights.
LLDDC Law personal injury attorneys collaborating on an injury case in a conference room.
By 7016408197 January 20, 2026
Are personal injury or workers’ compensation settlements taxable? Learn what parts are usually tax-free, possible exceptions, and when to seek guidance. Free consult with LLDDC Law.
Woman with a broken leg from a work injury sitting on a couch in West Des Moines, IA.
By 7016408197 January 5, 2026
Injured your arm or leg and lost your job? Iowa’s Second Injury Fund may provide additional benefits. Speak with trusted workers’ comp attorneys in West Des Moines. Free consultation.
Security camera monitoring activity, illustrating insurance surveillance in Des Moines injury.
By 7016408197 December 22, 2025
Learn why insurance companies use surveillance after an accident and how it can impact your case. Talk to trusted Des Moines injury attorneys at LLDDC Law—free consultation, no fee unless we win.
Back injury caused by work injury.
By 7016408197 December 8, 2025
In Iowa, workers’ comp can change your doctor—but only for valid reasons. Learn your rights, how to challenge a switch, and when to call an injury attorney.
Holiday accident on snow roads in Iowa.
By 7016408197 November 22, 2025
Holiday travel increases Iowa car crashes. Learn the top risks, how negligence is proven, and why LLDDC fights for injured Iowans. Free consultation. No fee unless you win.
Person sitting on couch with broken leg checking their weekly Iowa workers' compensation benefits.
By 7016408197 November 17, 2025
Confused about your Iowa workers’ comp weekly rate? Learn how payments are calculated and when to question the insurance company. LLDDC Law explains your rights.
Medical bill health insurance repayments after personal injury.
By 7016408197 October 23, 2025
Injured in an accident? Learn how health insurance repayment works after a settlement. Top injury attorneys in Des Moines explain your rights.