Tallahassee Denied Workers' Compensation Attorney

Representing North Florida Workers with Denied Claims

Sustaining a work injury or work-related illness is often an upsetting, worrisome, and even traumatic experience. Besides the physical discomfort and emotional stress you may suffer, these incidents can cause other concerns, too.

How will you pay for ensuing medical bills, especially in the face of potential lost wages? Will all of your bills be covered by your employer? How deeply will your personal life and the lives of your family be affected? How long will it take you to recover?

Workers’ compensation laws were enacted to provide the assistance needed for workers at such a difficult time. Employers and their workers’ comp insurance carriers are obligated by law to provide a variety of benefits to those workers who qualify.

At Anderson & Hart, P.A., we have concentrated on fighting for Floridians across the state with a track record that includes millions of dollars in paid claims. If your claim has been denied, you need the services of a hard-hitting and relentless legal advocate who knows how to battle for the rights you deserve.

If your workers’ comp claim has been denied, call a Tallahassee workers’ compensation lawyer today at (850) 203-3041 or fill out our online content form.

Why Would a Workers' Comp Claim be Denied?

Workers’ compensation claims may be denied for many reasons. An exact claims process has been set up which you must adhere to in order to qualify for benefits.

Your claim may be denied if you do not meet the following criteria:

• Report your injury or occupational illness within 30 days
• Get medical care from a hospital or provider approved by your employer or employer’s insurance company
• Have been injured or made ill while doing only job-related activities
• Have not been injured due to using drugs or alcohol

Additionally, if you were injured because you failed to follow prescribed safety regulations, your benefits may be reduced.

What is the Workers' Comp Appeals Process?

There are multiple steps involved in filing a workers' compensation appeal. Sometimes the process can be complicated, which is why it can be beneficial to have a denied claim lawyer on your side who can guide you through the process and ensure your claim isn't simply denied again.

• First, it's important to ensure that the insurance company has all of the facts and is understanding everything correctly
• If you are certain that the workers' comp insurance company has all of the information they require and they are still choosing to deny your claim, you may begin the appeals process

The Appeals Process:

• Fill out a Petition for Benefits form and mail to the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC)
• The OJCC will then notify your employer of the appeal, under which the insurance company has 14 days to respond to the petition, or to pay your claim
• Once your appeal has been assigned a case number you can track the process of your appeal online
• You will then have a mediation hearing scheduled in which a third party will attempt to help resolve the issue between you and the insurance company
• If mediation fails you will then go on to attend a hearing held by a workers' compensation judge, during which both you and the insurance company will be allowed to submit evidence for the judge to review
• The judge will issue a decision within 30 days of the final hearing, at which time you will find out whether or not your claim for benefits has been approved

If you still believe that your have received an unfair ruling following the workers' compensation hearing, you may appeal the decision within 30 days by going to the First District Court of Appeals.

How to Win a Workers' Comp Case in Tallahassee

At Anderson & Hart, P.A., we have 45 years of combined experience protecting injured workers. One of our founding attorneys is a board-certified workers’ compensation lawyer with more than 20 years of experience handling these claims.

We have a reputation with insurance companies as an aggressive prosecutor of workers’ comp claims. Our team knows how to settle disputes between workers and employers or insurance carriers.

Should that fail, we are proficient in the appeals process which leads to a hearing before a judge. Throughout our representation, you can count on our Tallahassee workers' compensation attorneys to pursue a positive resolution to your denied claim.

Commonly Asked Questions

What Are Common Reasons for Workers' Compensation Claim Denials?

Workers' compensation claims can be denied for various reasons, including failing to report the injury within the required time frame, seeking treatment from unapproved medical providers, or if the injury occurred outside of work-related duties. Claims may also be rejected if there’s evidence of drug or alcohol use at the time of the injury, or if safety regulations were not followed. Ensuring all criteria are met and documenting the incident properly is essential to reduce the risk of denial.

Can I Appeal a Denied Workers' Compensation Claim?

Yes, you can appeal a denied workers' compensation claim by filing a Petition for Benefits with the Office of the Judges of Compensation Claims (OJCC). The process involves gathering all necessary documentation, participating in mediation to resolve disputes, and, if needed, attending a formal hearing where a judge will review your case. Appeals require precision and strong evidence, making legal representation critical to ensure your claim is presented effectively and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome.

How Can a Workers’ Comp Attorney Help with a Denied Claim?

A workers' compensation attorney plays a vital role in handling denied claims. They help ensure all legal requirements are met, collect and organize supporting evidence, and communicate effectively with insurance companies to challenge unjust denials. If necessary, they represent you during appeals, mediation, and hearings, using their expertise to strengthen your case. Having an experienced attorney significantly improves your chances of securing the compensation you need to cover medical expenses and lost wages.

Call (850) 203-3041 or contact us here for a free initial consultation with Anderson & Hart, P.A.