What is one example of a reason an employer might contest a workers' compensation claim?

A common reason for an employer to contest a workers' compensation claim is if the employee was intoxicated at the time of the injury. In Oklahoma, if an employee is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it can significantly impact their eligibility for benefits. The rationale is that intoxication may have contributed to the occurrence of the injury, suggesting that the employee's actions while impaired played a role in the incident. This could lead to a denial of the claim because workers' compensation is designed to cover injuries sustained in the course of employment, and substance abuse can complicate that determination.

While other scenarios can lead to contesting a claim—such as claims filed too early or the injury not resulting in lost time—they don't necessarily relate directly to an employee's capacity at the time of the incident in the same way that intoxication does. Therefore, the element of intoxication presents a clear basis for the employer to dispute the validity of the claim.