Getting your workers’ compensation claim denied doesn’t have to be the final outcome. Many denials are made in error, and if you have a legitimate claim, you deserve compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
If you receive a denial of benefits, you have the right to file an appeal. However, the appeals process is typically not straightforward and can get complicated, depending on the nature of your claim. Fortunately, an experienced workers’ comp or accident attorney in the Cincinnati area can help you make sense of the process and file all the necessary forms on time.
How to File a Workers’ Comp Appeal
If you live in Ohio, you can complete an initial appeal form online through the Industrial Commission Online Network(ICON). Alternatively, you may file your appeal in writing with a Notice of Appeal-IC-12 form that you can send to your local Industrial Commission service office.
After filing the initial paperwork, you’re entitled to an appeal hearing with the district hearing officer. At this level, an officer will review the evidence, hear any statements, and issue a written decision. If they uphold the denial, you can file another appeal at the commission level and have a higher-level hearing officer decide the claim.
Yet another appeal level exists, although there’s no guarantee you’ll get a hearing. It’s up to the Commission to decide whether to grant the appeal. If the appeal is denied, you can appeal the Commission’s decision to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where the injury occurred within sixty days of the denial.
A Local Work Accident Lawyer Can Help with Your Appeal
The workers’ compensation appeals process can be complex and overwhelming without an experienced lawyer’s support. A good Cincinnati injury lawyer who specializes in workers’ comp can help you with all phases of your appeal, including filing the necessary paperwork. It’s essential to contact them quickly because statutes of limitations and deadlines are strict. If you were denied benefits and believe this decision was an error, contact a skilled Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyer at Clements, Taylor, Butkovich & Cohen, LPA, Co.