Workers’ Compensation Appeals in Sacramento

Appealing Unfair Workers’ Comp Decisions

Many workers’ compensation claims filed in Sacramento, California, will be denied. In some of those cases, the reasons for the case denial aren’t even justified based on the California Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) rules and regulations. When you are at a loss of what to do to get the workers’ comp benefits that you need to rest after a workplace accident, come to Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers. Our law firm is dedicated to standing up for injured workers throughout Sacramento who need legal help with filings, appeals, denials, and much more.

Call (888) 740-6434 to learn about workers’ comp appeals during a complimentary consultation.

Appealing a Workers’ Comp Decision

Workers' compensation is a system designed to provide financial support and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. However, not all workers' compensation claims are approved. If your workers’ compensation claim was denied, you can consider appealing it with our help.

Claims can be denied for various reasons, which may include:

• Failure to Report Promptly: California and many states require employees to report workplace injuries or illnesses within a specific timeframe. If an employee fails to report the incident in a timely manner, the claim may be denied.
• Lack of Medical Evidence: To support a workers' compensation claim, there needs to be clear medical evidence that the injury or illness is work-related. If the medical documentation is insufficient or suggests that the injury did not occur at work, the claim may be denied.
• Pre-existing Condition: If an employee had a pre-existing medical condition that contributed to the injury or illness, it can complicate the approval of a workers' compensation claim. In some cases, the claim may be partially approved, but the pre-existing condition may lead to a denial or reduced benefits.
• Disputes Over Causation: Employers and insurance companies may dispute whether the injury or illness is truly work-related. If there is uncertainty about whether the work environment or job duties caused the condition, the claim may be denied.
• Missed Deadlines: In addition to reporting the injury or illness promptly, there are often deadlines for filing the workers' compensation claim and providing necessary documentation. Missing these deadlines can result in a denial.
• Inconsistent Statements: Inconsistencies in the employee's statements, medical records, or other evidence can raise doubts about the legitimacy of the claim, leading to a denial.
• Lack of Witnesses: If there were no witnesses to the workplace incident, or if there are conflicting accounts of what happened, it can be challenging to establish the validity of the claim.
• Violation of Employer Policies: If the employee's actions or behavior at the time of the injury violated company policies or safety regulations, the claim may be denied. For example, if the employee was under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
• Independent Medical Examination (IME): In some cases, the workers' compensation insurer may require the injured employee to undergo an IME by a doctor of their choice. If the IME results differ from the treating physician's evaluation, it can lead to a denial or a dispute over benefits.
• Administrative Errors: Simple administrative errors, such as incomplete paperwork or filing mistakes, can result in a denial of the claim. It's crucial to ensure all forms are filled out accurately and completely.
• Fraud or Malingering: If there is evidence that the employee is attempting to defraud the system or is exaggerating the extent of their injuries, the claim will likely be denied.
• Statute of Limitations: Each state has specific statutes of limitations for workers' compensation claims, and if the claim is not filed within the designated timeframe, it may be denied.

A Workers' Compensation Judge (WCJ) will review your initial filing to determine if it is legitimate. If the claim is approved, then you should be awarded the benefits that you deserve. A denied claim will halt your benefits and require you to make a decision: leave the case defeated or attempt to appeal it.

Workers’ Compensation Appeals Process

An appeal basically asks the DWC to review the case again to see if it was denied wrongfully. Although this is a simple concept, the steps involved can get complicated, so the DWC will likely advise that you only proceed with the help of an attorney like someone from our firm.

Most workers’ compensation appeals processes will involve:

• Filing an Application for Adjudication of Claim with the DWC in Sacramento County.
• Wait for the DWC office’s response, which should include a confirmation that your filing was received and a case number.
• Schedule a Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) with a Workers’ Compensation Judge and the opposing party to attempt to negotiate a fair settlement agreement.
• Prepare for a scheduled trial or hearing if no agreement is reached that the WCJ is willing to approve.
• If dissatisfaction continues after the hearing, you can appeal the case again using a Petition for Reconsideration.

Throughout all of these steps, you can rely on Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers and our Sacramento workers’ comp appeals attorneys. We know how to handle every step, so you don’t have to busy yourself with legal work and complications. Overall, the appellate process could take up to four months in some cases, and we can be there by your side the entire time.

Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board

The California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) is a government agency responsible for overseeing and adjudicating workers' compensation disputes in the state of California. It is comprised of seven board members who are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.

The primary function of the WCAB is to resolve disputes related to workers' compensation claims between injured workers, their employers, and insurance carriers. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that injured employees receive the benefits and compensation they are entitled to under California's workers' compensation system.

Here's what the WCAB does:

• Dispute Resolution: One of the main functions of the WCAB is to adjudicate disputes that arise in the workers' compensation system. This includes disputes over benefits, medical treatment, the extent of disability, and other related issues. The WCAB conducts hearings and makes decisions to resolve these disputes.
• Hearings and Appeals: The WCAB holds formal hearings where parties involved in a workers' compensation dispute present evidence and arguments. The WCAB judges preside over these hearings and issue decisions. If any party disagrees with the judge's decision, they have the right to appeal to higher levels within the system.
• Mediation and Settlements: The WCAB also offers mediation services to help parties reach a settlement or agreement without the need for a formal hearing. This can expedite the resolution of disputes and may be in the best interest of both the injured worker and the employer.
• Enforcement: The WCAB has the authority to enforce its decisions and orders. This includes ensuring that injured workers receive the compensation and benefits awarded to them and that employers and insurance carriers comply with their obligations under the workers' compensation laws.
• Legal Interpretation: The WCAB provides legal interpretations and guidance on matters related to workers' compensation laws and regulations in California. This can help stakeholders better understand their rights and responsibilities within the system.
• Educational Outreach: The WCAB conducts educational outreach programs to inform the public, workers, employers, and other stakeholders about their rights and responsibilities under the state's workers' compensation system.
• Rulemaking: The WCAB has the authority to make rules and regulations related to the workers' compensation system, ensuring that the system functions effectively and efficiently.
• Case Management: The WCAB maintains records of workers' compensation cases and provides access to case information to parties involved in disputes. This includes maintaining case records and documentation of hearings.

The California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board is an essential part of the workers' compensation system in the state, as it helps ensure that injured workers receive appropriate benefits and that disputes are resolved fairly and efficiently. It plays a critical role in safeguarding the rights of both workers and employers within the workers' compensation framework.

Get Legal Support for Workers’ Comp Appeals in Sacramento

You could have a better chance of winning a worker’s compensation appeal if you pay close attention to the deadlines, documents, and details. However, you probably need to rest after a work-related accident. To make sure that your case is hitting the right marks and you aren’t missing any deadlines, put the Sacramento workers’ comp appeals lawyers of our firm in charge. We are here to lend 75+ years of legal experience to do the most possible for your case.

Call (888) 740-6434 now to see if we can work on your appeals case.