If your compensation has been denied, don’t give up. You have options to appeal the decision.
Step 1: Understand the Reason for the Denial
The first step is to understand why your compensation has been denied. The denial letter should indicate the specific reason.
Some of the most common reasons are:
- Lack of medical evidence: The insurance company may not have enough evidence to confirm the relationship between the injury and the work.
- Late filing of the claim: It is essential to file the claim within the legal deadline.
- Administrative error: Sometimes, claims are denied due to errors in documentation or information provided.
Step 2: Gather Additional Evidence
If you disagree with the reason for the denial, you can gather additional evidence to support your claim. For example:
- Medical records: Request copies of all medical records related to the injury.
- Witness statements: If there are witnesses to your accident or injury, obtain signed statements from them.
- Expert opinions: If necessary, you can obtain an opinion from a medical specialist confirming the relationship between your injury and your work.
Step 3: Submit an Appeal Request
To appeal the denial, you must file a Request for Adjudication of Claim with the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). The deadline for filing the request is one year from the date of the denial.
Step 4: Attend the Hearing
You will have a hearing to present your case to a DWC judge. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to:
- Present evidence
- Testify under oath
- Ask questions to the insurance company’s witnesses
Step 5: Obtain a Decision
The judge will issue a decision after the hearing. The decision may be favorable or unfavorable to you. You can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) if the decision is adverse.
At Julie O Legal, we can help you appeal the denial of your workers’ compensation claim.
We have extensive experience in this field and will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.