If IW files a claim and there is no documentation to support the injury and the IW was terminated before the injury date, what should you do?

• A. Deny
• B. Accept
• C. Delay and investigate
• D. Close the file

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a claim can be paid only if there’s evidence the injury happened in the course of employment and is supported by documentation. If there’s no documentation of the injury and the worker was terminated before the injury date, there’s no connection between the injury and the job, so the claim cannot be compensable. Without an active employment relationship on or after the injury date and without supporting documentation, benefits can’t be provided. Therefore, the proper action is to deny the claim. If new information later appears—such as documented evidence of a work-related injury or active status at the time of injury—the claim could be reevaluated.