Denied Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits? Your Rights To An Appeal

Getting hurt on the job is stressful enough. When your Maryland workers’ compensation claim gets denied, it can feel like the system is stacked against you. Unfortunately, denials, delays, and disputes over workers’ comp benefits are common. Whether it’s a paperwork issue, lack of medical evidence, or an employer challenging your claim, you have the right to appeal.

At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney helps injured workers navigate appeals successfully and fight to get them the benefits they deserve. Here’s what you need to know if your claim gets denied.

Common Reasons For Denied Maryland Workers’ Compensation Claims

When on-the-job accidents leave you suffering serious injuries, workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your medical expenses, lost earnings, and other costs.

The Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC) oversees claims for job-related injuries and illnesses, but benefits get paid through insurers. While some claims do get approved without issue, others get denied. Common reasons include:

• Failure to report the injury promptly (you must notify your employer within 10 days of an injury);
• Missing or incomplete paperwork;
• Lack of medical records, test results, and other evidence linking the injury to your job;
• Disputes over whether the injury occurred at work;
• Pre-existing conditions, which insurers may try to blame for your symptoms.

Fortunately, insurance companies do not have the last say when it comes to getting workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland. You have the right to dispute their decisions and request a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Appealing Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims in Maryland

If you are denied Maryland workers’ compensation, you can file Issues requesting a hearing through the WCC. Here’s how the process typically works:

• Step 1: File Issues outlining the dispute.
• Step 2: The WCC will schedule a hearing with a Commissioner, where you can present additional evidence. Your employer and the insurer will be at this hearing and will likely have professional representation, so get legal help as well.
• Step 3: At your hearing, the Commissioner will listen to both sides, weigh the evidence, and issue a decision.
• Step 4: If you disagree with the outcome, you can appeal the Commissioner’s decision, which means taking your case to the Circuit Court.

The workers’ compensation process is often overwhelming, especially when you’re still recovering from an injury. To protect your rights and get the maximum amount you are entitled to contact our Maryland workers’ compensation attorneys.

Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

If you get denied workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland or have other problems with your claim, don’t give up. At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we’ve helped countless clients get the maximum amount they were entitled to, despite any initial denials or delays. Call or contact us online to request a consultation with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.

Source:

wcc.state.md.us