Workers Compensation Claim Denied

By Skip McManes - March 18, 2015 - Workers Compensation

Workers Compensation Claim Denied

The last thing you expect after being injured on the job is to have your workers’ compensation claim denied. However, this happens all too often. You have the right to appeal a decision but if you try to appeal without legal help, you may find the outcome is less than satisfactory.

Employers are required by law to notify their workers compensation insurance company about any on-the-job accidents within 10 days of them being reported by the employee. Insurance companies may try a number of tactics to avoid paying the full amount of your claim including:

workers’ Compensation Claim Denied

Insurance companies use specific tactics to reduce or deny workers’ compensation claims:

  • Claiming your injury isn’t work-related – insurers may argue your injury happened outside of work. They often request broad medical releases to dig through your history. Never give unrestricted access—speak with a workers’ compensation attorney before signing anything.
  • Quick settlement offers – you may receive an early lump sum to close your case fast. These offers are designed to limit long-term payouts. If your injury requires ongoing care, your case may be worth significantly more—get legal advice before accepting.
  • Delaying benefits to pressure you – insurers may stall payments to create financial stress. This tactic is meant to force a lower settlement, often at the cost of future medical coverage and full compensation.

After your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you are entitled to appeal that claim. If your claim is denied or insurance companies are using tactics to avoid paying what you deserve, it’s critical to speak with an attorney immediately to protect your rights under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.

If your injury happened on a construction site, your case may involve more than just a workers’ compensation claim.

Construction accidents often involve multiple parties—including contractors, subcontractors, or equipment providers—which can significantly impact how your case is handled and what you may be able to recover.

See what to do after a construction site injury in Georgia →

Some cases involve both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims and identifying that early can make a substantial difference in your outcome.

If your claim was denied, it’s important to understand whether your case may involve more than workers’ compensation.
See how workers’ compensation compares to personal injury claims →

Originally published March 18, 2015 • Updated April 2026

Skip McManes

Skip McManes is a seasoned attorney with more than 20 years of experience in representing injured workers. Prior to dedicating his legal practice to this cause, he briefly worked as an insurance defense lawyer where he witnessed the unethical tactics of insurance companies. This motivated him to shift his focus to defending the rights of workers against these powerful entities. Skip obtained his education from Johnson High in Gainesville and the University of Georgia, where he earned a degree in finance and a law degree. Despite his busy schedule, he remains an avid supporter of the Georgia Bulldogs. Currently residing in Alpharetta, Georgia, Skip has been married for over two decades and has four children. His commitment to his clients and passion for justice are evident in his work, and he is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been injured on the job.