Napa Workers’ Compensation Appeals Attorney

Trusted Trial Lawyers for Injured Workers in Napa Valley

If you’ve received a decision in your workers’ compensation case that doesn’t feel right—whether it’s a low disability rating, an unfavorable QME report, or an inadequate settlement—you have the right to appeal. At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we help clients challenge unjust workers’ comp outcomes and fight for the full benefits they deserve.

When you work with us, you get a full legal team, including an experienced workers’ comp lawyer, a Case Manager, and an Assistant Case Manager dedicated to your case. We handle appeals with urgency and the insider knowledge needed to go toe-to-toe with insurance companies and their legal teams.

Our Record Speaks for Itself

With over $340 million recovered, a 98% success rate, and a team that includes award-winning trial lawyers, we’re one of California’s most trusted workers’ compensation law firms. We’ve helped over 8,000 injured workers secure results through litigation, settlement, and appeals—including complex cases involving disputed treatment, disability evaluations, and permanent impairment ratings.

If your workers’ comp claim was denied or you’re stuck in limbo, we’re here to fix it. Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online today.

When Can You Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Decision?

While many appeals stem from denied claims, California’s workers’ compensation system allows injured workers to challenge many types of decisions, including:

• Unfair or low permanent disability ratings
• Medical treatment disputes, including denied surgery or therapy requests
• Biased or inaccurate QME/AME reports
• Disputes over return-to-work status or work restrictions
• Incorrect wage calculations affecting disability payments
• Termination of temporary disability benefits before you’re medically ready to return to work
• Disagreements over settlement terms, including Compromise & Release agreements

Whether your claim was partially approved or you're disputing a single part of a larger case, you have the right to request judicial review through the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).

How the Appeals Process Works in California Workers’ Comp Cases

Appealing a workers’ compensation decision involves multiple steps and formal procedures. Once you receive a decision you want to challenge, here’s how the process typically unfolds:

1. Application for Adjudication of Claim – This must be filed to get your case before the WCAB. It opens your appeal.
2. Declaration of Readiness (DOR) – You request a hearing to resolve the issue you’re appealing.
3. Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) – A preliminary hearing to try and resolve the issue through negotiation. Both sides exchange evidence.
4. Trial Before a Workers’ Comp Judge – If no agreement is reached, your case proceeds to trial. You may testify, and expert reports (like QME/AME evaluations) are presented.
5. Decision and Petition for Reconsideration – After the judge issues a ruling, either party can appeal again through a Petition for Reconsideration.

Throughout this process, we handle all filings, prepare your case, and represent you in every hearing and conference. Our goal is to clarify complex medical or legal issues and argue effectively for the full benefits you’re owed.

Appealing QME and Medical Evaluator Reports

One of the most common issues we see in Napa appeals involves disputes over medical evaluations. These reports can impact everything from treatment approval to disability ratings.

You may be able to appeal or challenge a QME/AME report if:

• It contains factual inaccuracies
• It fails to consider the full scope of your injury
• The evaluator had a conflict of interest
• The doctor’s conclusions are not supported by objective medical evidence

We help injured workers obtain second opinions, pursue new panel QMEs if appropriate, and bring in medical experts to counter biased evaluations.

How Long Do I Have to File an Appeal?

Timing matters. In most cases, you must file a Petition for Reconsideration within 20 days of receiving the judge’s decision. If the decision was served by mail, the deadline extends to 25 days.

Other appeals—such as those involving treatment denials, QME report objections, or settlement challenges—may follow different timelines. Don’t wait to find out. Missing a deadline could cost you critical benefits.

If you're unsure where your case stands, we can assess your situation and take immediate action to protect your rights.

Why Hire an Attorney for a Workers’ Comp Appeal?

The appeals process is legal and adversarial, meaning the insurance company will have attorneys arguing against your claim. Having skilled legal representation levels the playing field and gives you the best shot at a successful outcome.

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, we:

• Handle all procedural filings and WCAB documents
• Develop the medical and factual evidence needed to support your appeal
• Represent you at hearings, settlement conferences, and trial
• Challenge biased QME findings and protect your credibility
• Negotiate from a position of strength backed by trial experience

Call For a FREE Consultation: (888) 740-6434

Disputes and unfavorable decisions in the workers’ compensation system aren’t uncommon—but they can have serious consequences if not addressed. If you believe your claim was undervalued, your treatment wrongly denied, or your permanent disability rating is too low, we can help.

Our team at Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers has helped thousands of injured workers protect their rights and recover the benefits they need. Let us do the same for you.

Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online now for a FREE consultation.