Sussex County Lawyers Represent Individuals Following Denied Workers' Compensation Claims  

Newton, New Jersey attorneys handle appeals for injured employees

If your employer's insurance company has denied your workers' compensation claim, you're not alone. Many injured employees face setbacks when seeking the benefits they deserve. At Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC, we advocate for claimants who have received adverse decisions after suffering a job-related injury or illness. A Sussex County denied workers' compensation claims lawyer at our firm can guide you through the process of challenging the ruling and will press for a result that reimburses you for medical expenses and lost wages.

Reasons your NJ workers' compensation claim might be denied

Workers' compensation carriers deny claims for procedural, legal or medical reasons, which include:

  • Failure to report the injury promptly — In New Jersey, you must report your injury to your employer within 14 days.
  • Disputes about whether the injury is work-related — Your employer or insurer might argue that the injury didn't occur on the job.
  • Pre-existing conditions — If the insurance company believes your claimed medical condition was present before your workplace accident, they could deny the claim.
  • Insufficient medical evidence — Inadequate or inconsistent medical records can lead to a rejection.
  • Missed deadlines — Failing to file your claim within the time limits typically results in automatic denial.

If there were any deficiencies in your filing or fault on the insurer's part, an appeal gives you the opportunity to correct the record.

Steps to take after a denied claim

After receiving a denial letter, you should not panic. There are several steps you can take to increase the likelihood of a successful appeal. Review the denial notice carefully to understand the specific reasons your claim was denied. Gather documentation, including medical records, incident reports and witness statements. Then, consult an New Jersey workers' compensation lawyer. We can evaluate your case and guide you through the appeals process. Appeal deadlines come quickly, so you should not delay your response.

Steps in appealing a denied workers' compensation claim

New Jersey offers a formal appeal process through the Division of Workers' Compensation that can include the following phases:

  •  File a petition — You must submit within two years of the injury or last compensation payment. Filing starts the formal legal process.
  • Settlement discussions — The court may encourage the parties to resolve the issue before a formal hearing.
  • Proceed to a hearing — If the parties do not reach a settlement, the case goes before a judge who hears evidence and makes a ruling.
  • Further appeal — Should the denial be upheld, you can attempt to have the case heard by the Appellate Division of the New Jersey Superior Court.

Our workers' comp attorneys have ample experience at all levels of the process.

How a New Jersey workers' compensation lawyer will help

When advocating for you, our skilled attorneys can:

  • Build a strong case with medical evidence and expert testimony.
  • Negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement.
  • Represent you at hearings and argue your case before a judge.
  • Ensure deadlines are met and paperwork is properly filed.

Having legal representation significantly increases your chances of a successful outcome.

Timeline for a denied workers' compensation appeal

Timelines can vary depending on the complexity of your case and court scheduling, but generally:

  • Filing a claim petition must occur within two years of your injury.
  • Pre-trial hearings may begin within a few months.
  • Formal hearings and final rulings may take from six months to more than a year, especially if the process entails multiple hearings.

If you've been hurt on the job in NJ, denied workers' compensation claim can be frustrating, but you don't have to face it alone. With the support of an experienced workers' compensation lawyer, you can fight that denial and pursue the payments you're entitled to.

Contact a knowledgeable NJ attorney for a workers' compensation appeal

Hollander, Strelzik, Pasculli, Vandenberg, Hontz & Associates LLC, with offices in Newton and Succasunna, represents injured claimants in workers' compensation appeals throughout New Jersey. To schedule a consultation, please call 973-737-1023 or contact us online.