Has your workers’ compensation claim been denied?

All workers’ compensation claims have to be approved by the OWCP or Office of Workers’ Compensation. So, some claims are denied while others are approved. Do you know what you can do if your legitimate claim is denied? There are three things you can do to appeal against a denied claim.

REQUEST A HEARING OF THE WRITTEN RECORD

If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you have 30 days after the denial to request a hearing or a review of the written record about your claim. These hearings can be done over the phone.

REQUEST RECONSIDERATION

An employee who wants his/her claim to be formally reconsidered needs to submit a written request to the OWCP for a review of new evidence in the claim. The new evidence has to be substantial enough to be reconsidered, such as new witness testimony or a new medical report.

REQUEST AN APPEAL WITH THE ECAB

The ECAB or Employees’ Compensation Appeals Board is an appeals body, different from the OWCP, made up of 3 members appointed by the Secretary of Labor. This appeal must be made within 180 days of the initial OWCP decision.

Denied claims are not the end of your workers’ compensation claim. If your claim has been denied, contact the DOL about the above 3 options. It is best to talk to a work comp attorney in such cases.

To consult the best Arizona workers compensation lawyers in Phoenix, call Arizona Injury Law Group at 602-346-9009. Arizona Injury Law Group PLLC offers workers’ compensation attorneys who help injured workers seek benefits and justice and a voice standing up for you!