Fast food workers like those who work at Taco Bell, are often injured at work. Burns, scalds and slip and fall injuries are the most common sorts of injuries. The cost of a workplace injury is normally born by the employer’s insurance, but there are sometimes delays and obstacles in the way of a compensation payment. Workers’ compensation is not automatic. There is an established procedure that injured workers must follow. If the procedure isn’t followed correctly, the employer’s insurer may deny the claim. There are other reasons why a claim could be denied and often these can be addressed quite easily without having to file an appeal. When all else fails, a formal appeal should be filed with the state workers’ compensation board or equivalent authority. Contact Taco Bell's Insurance Company Very often, all you will receive is a notification from Taco Bells’ insurer stating that a claim has been approved or denied. If there has been a denial of the claim, you should try and find out what the reason was. There may be a simple explanation like missing paperwork, or the dates the insurer were given conflicted with the actual date of the injury. Often, it is left to someone at your employer to contact the insurer giving details of the accident and injury. This is to confirm that the accident actually happened at work. If there is a conflict in information, the insurer may not be confident that the injury claimed for was workplace related. It is best to explore all avenues to clarify a claim before resorting to an appeal. File Your Taco Bell Workers’ Comp. Appeal If you don’t get anywhere with the insurer directly, you may have to file an appeal. Again, there is an established procedure for doing this, but the process is more challenging for an individual worker to pursue without legal help. The appeal is made through the state workers’ compensation agency who co-ordinates each stage of the appeal. Usually, there is an attempt at mediation first before scheduling a more formal hearing before a judge. A mediator will be appointed and a relatively informal meeting will be arranged where you and Taco Bell’s insurer’s representative can explore the disputed point of disagreement. It is helpful to have your lawyer with you at mediation. If mediation fails, a hearing will be arranged. You must be well prepared for the hearing and be able to address the reasons the insurer has given for denying the claim. Again, your lawyer can help you with this. The judge or panel who is present at the hearing will examine both sides of the dispute and will then make a decision one way or another. A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help File an Appeal It is not advisable to pursue an appeal without legal advice and help. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can improve your chances of winning an appeal. Additional Resources Denied Workers’ Compensation at Taco Bell? How Much is a Taco Bell Workers' Comp Claim Worth? 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 Taco Bell, or any other party, you may not be entitled to any compensation.
