Not all workers’ compensation claims sail through in Pennsylvania. Your claim may be denied for various reasons ranging from mistakes in the paperwork and pre-existing conditions to missed deadlines and suspected fraud. A denial of benefits may leave you shouldering the financial burden of the accident, such as medical bills and lost wages.
However, all is not lost. You can appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim and get the benefits. Here is what you need to do.
Understand the reason for the denial
Usually, you will get a written notice of why your claim was denied. It is crucial to understand such reasons before kickstarting your appeal, as it will help you prepare accordingly. While some simple errors can be cleared up, you may have to take your case further to overturn the initial decision.
Understand how the appeals process works
There are several stages involved when appealing a denied claim in Pennsylvania. A workers’ compensation judge in your county will initially handle your appeal. The judge will review your case and any evidence presented by the parties involved before issuing a verdict.
If the judge’s decision does not go your way, you can appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board (WCAB). You can further appeal the WCAB’s decision to the Commonwealth Court, and if you exhaust all these options, you can take the matter to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.
Reach out for help
Navigating the appeals process can be overwhelming, especially if you do not know what to expect. In addition, there are crucial timelines you must adhere to, or your appeal could hit the wall. These are just some of the many reasons you should strongly consider seeking legal guidance to boost your chances of a successful outcome and get the much-needed benefits.