If you work for Amazon and are injured while at work, you should be able to obtain compensation for any medical costs related to your workplace injury as well as a percentage of lost earnings assuming that your injury prevented you from returning to work for some time. You file a workers’ comp. claim through your employer’s insurer, but not all claims are accepted. If you get a denial letter, it doesn’t mean that your chance of obtaining compensation is over, as you are able to appeal the decision. Insurers may sometimes get the wrong information passed on to them, or have a reason for denying your claim which can be challenged. Contact Amazon's Insurance Company If you get a denial letter from Amazon’s insurer, they may not let you know exactly why the claim was refused. There are often simple reasons why a claim is denied, particularly when there has been an administrative error. Workers’ compensation rules are made by the state that your workplace is in, rather than the employer, but things can go missing between your employer and the insurer. Insurers also regularly deny claims where information is unclear or if it is thought that an injury did not occur at work. You will need to get a specific reason from Amazon’s insurance adjuster why they denied your claim as this will be something positive you can use to build your appeal around with the help of a workers’ comp. attorney. File Your Amazon Workers’ Comp. Appeal If there was no simple administrative error involved in your claim and you know that you have kept to deadlines, you should talk to an attorney about appealing. Every state has a defined process in which a workers’ compensation claim appeal can be made. You will need to follow the process precisely and stick to the time limits imposed by the state workers’ compensation board if you intend appealing. The first step will be to file an appeal with either the insurer or the state WC board. Most authorities will attempt to reach a satisfactory decision at a mediation meeting between you and a representative from the employer’s insurer. Most claims should be allowed if the injury was a genuine workplace injury and was not deliberately caused. If there are any misconceptions about the way in which the accident happened, then they may be sorted out at mediation. Failing a resolution, a formal hearing will be arranged. An administrative hearing will have a judge who will consider the evidence you have available and will make a decision about allowing the claim. Even if the decision is not in your favor, there are other further steps which may be taken to pursue fair compensation is finally paid. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help File an Appeal If you do have to file an appeal because Amazon’s insurer is adamant that your claim is invalid, it would be very hard to do so without effective legal representation. You are advised at this stage to contact a workers’ compensation attorney to guide you through the lengthy appeals process. Additional Resources Amazon Workers’ Compensation* Help! I was Hurt Working for Amazon!* Disclaimer: The content of this article serves only to provide information and should not be construed as legal advice. If you file a claim against Amazon, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
