Workers’ compensation is available for workers who are injured or become ill because of their job. If a claimant applies and their application is accepted, they will receive benefits.
If an applicant’s claim is denied, they have the right to appeal the denial and there are general steps they can follow.
Submitting an appeal
When a claim is denied, the claimant will receive a denial letter or notice. It’s important to read it carefully to understand the specific reasons for the denial, which can help the claimant prepare for the appeal.
It may also be helpful to review the documentation that the claimant submitted, to ensure that there is no information missing that could be provided to quickly resolve the denial.
If not, the claimant will need to file a formal appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Board and request a review of the denied claim. The claimant should submit any relevant supporting documentation such as medical records, doctor’s notes, witness statements or other evidence with the appeal.
Hearing and decision
Once the appeal is submitted, the claimant will be asked to attend a hearing where they will have an opportunity to present their case. After the hearing, the judge will issue a written decision that outlines their findings and explains why the appeal is accepted or denied.
If the judge rules in the claimant’s favor, they should start receiving the workers’ compensation benefits they are entitled to. If the judge upholds the denial, the claimant may still have further appeal options.