If your workers’ comp claim was denied after a lifting injury, a denial is not the end of your case.
Lifting injuries are some of the most common workplace injuries we see in Missouri—back strains, herniated discs, shoulder tears, and aggravated prior conditions after one “routine” lift. And yet, insurance companies still deny many of these claims.
If your workers’ comp claim was denied, it usually means the employer/insurer is taking a position that the injury wasn’t work-related, wasn’t reported correctly, or isn’t supported by medical evidence—and those issues can often be addressed with the right documentation and strategy.
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Why lifting injury claims get denied (even when you really got hurt)
A denial letter often uses broad language. Here are the most common reasons lifting injuries are denied in Missouri:
1) “No specific accident” / “normal work activity”
Insurers may argue you didn’t have an “accident,” especially if:
- You didn’t feel a sharp pain until later,
- There was no obvious traumatic event,
- The job involved routine lifting every day.
But many legitimate work injuries happen this way. The key is how the event and symptoms are documented (and how quickly).
2) Late or improper notice to your employer
Missouri law generally requires written notice within 30 days of the accident (and the notice must include details like time/place/nature of injury). There are exceptions, but missing this is a common denial trigger.
3) “Pre-existing condition” or “not work-related”
This is very common with:
- prior back problems
- prior shoulder injuries
- degenerative disc findings on imaging
Even if you had a prior issue, work can still aggravate or worsen a condition. Denials often come down to medical proof and causation language in records.
4) Gaps in medical treatment or “inconsistent history”
If you waited to treat, went to your own doctor without a clear work history documented, or told someone it “might be from home,” insurers will use that.
5) Employer disputes what happened
Some employers dispute:
- whether you were lifting at work,
- whether the injury occurred on the clock,
- whether you followed policy (reported to the right person, used the right form, etc.).
6) Drug/alcohol allegations
If a post-incident test is positive, the insurer may deny. These situations are fact-specific and should be handled carefully.
What to do immediately after a denial (the practical checklist)
Step 1: Get the denial reason in writing
Ask for a copy of the denial letter and/or the insurer’s stated reason. Don’t rely on verbal explanations.
Step 2: Write down the “injury story” while it’s fresh
Create a simple timeline:
- Date/time of lift
- What you lifted (weight/awkwardness)
- Where you were
- Who you told (and when)
- Symptoms (what you felt immediately, what worsened later)
- First medical visit date and what you reported
This becomes the backbone of your case.
Step 3: Confirm you gave proper notice (and do it now if you haven’t)
Missouri requires written notice within 30 days in most situations, with some exceptions. If you only told a coworker or mentioned it casually, protect yourself by giving written notice to a supervisor/HR immediately.
Step 4: Be careful about choosing medical care
In Missouri workers’ comp, employers/insurers often control authorized care. If you treat on your own, it can still help your health and documentation, but it can also create disputes about payment and causation.
A workers’ comp attorney can help you:
- Push for authorized care,
- Correct inaccurate histories in records,
- Document restrictions and disability properly.
Step 5: Start collecting evidence
Helpful evidence in lifting cases includes:
- Incident reports/emails/texts reporting the injury
- Witness names (even if they didn’t see the lift, they may have seen you in pain right after)
- Timecards/job assignment sheets
- Job description/typical lifting requirements
- Prior medical records (sometimes needed to show what changed after the work event)
What NOT to do after a denial
- Don’t assume your regular health insurance will sort it out. It may create liens/repayment issues if workers’ comp is later found responsible.
- Don’t “tough it out” and stop treatment if you’re still hurt. Gaps in care get used against you.
- Don’t give a recorded statement without understanding the goal. Adjusters are trained to lock in language that supports denial.
- Don’t ignore return-to-work pressure if you’re still in pain or your restrictions aren’t being followed.
Talk to a St. Louis workers’ comp lawyer about your denied lifting injury
If your lifting injury claim was denied, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The next step is usually about protecting deadlines, building proof, and forcing the insurer to justify the denial.
The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann, your trusted St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney, is dedicated exclusively to representing injured workers throughout Missouri. With over 30 years of experience focused on workers’ comp, Attorney James M. Hoffmann has secured over $100,000,000 for clients. As your St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney, we back every case with a client-focused approach and a proven record of success.