You’ve been injured in a workplace accident and have filed a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Your claim is denied. Now what? You can appeal. The experienced workers’ compensation appeals attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC can help you navigate the appeals process to move your claim forward so you can get the benefits you deserve. Our office is located in Shrewsbury.
Our firm has been representing injured workers in New Jersey for generations. Our workers’ compensation appeals lawyers know the tactics used by insurance companies to minimize claims. We know how to build strong cases and present convincing arguments to workers’ compensation judges on your behalf.
Your options for appealing a denied claim include:
- Informal hearings – These are attempts to work out a settlement with the insurance company in the presence of a judge. Informal hearings are required when there have been injuries to the fingers or toes. We would first submit an “Application for Informal Hearing” with the Division of Workers’ Compensation. A hearing date is usually set within a matter a week. Your case will be assigned to a judge. Both sides are given a chance to raise issues and gather evidence. Multiple hearings may be necessary. The judge will make a recommendation for settling the claim. Either side can reject it.
- Formal hearings – These are like trials. Both sides can present evidence and witness testimony. We would first submit a “Claim Petition” to request a formal hearing. A hearing date is usually within about six months. Your case is assigned to a judge. Both sides present their case. Once all evidence has been presented, the judge issues a written decision if a formal settlement can’t be reached. This decision may award specific benefits or assess penalties.
- State courts – If the decision does not go your way, it can be appealed to the state courts of New Jersey in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court. Both sides can again present evidence. Appeals can be made all the way to the New Jersey Supreme Court.
Fighting For The Rights Of Injured Workers
Employers and insurance companies don’t have your best interests in mind. Employers want you back to work as soon as possible. Insurance companies may dispute the extent of your injury and demand you undergo an independent medical examination (IME) with a doctor of their choosing. They may question the need for certain kinds of treatment. They may even pressure you into returning to work even though you are still recovering.
Our attorneys know how to help you appeal a workers’ comp decision and fight back. We help you prepare for independent medical examinations to make sure doctors have all the necessary information. We can arrange for you to get a second opinion from a reputable doctor or specialist. We are prepared to move your claim forward through every step of the appeals process. We know how to win.
If you’ve been injured in a work accident, learn more about how our workers’ compensation appeals attorneys can help you with your claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.