Worker's Compensation
Workers’ Comp Claim Denied? Don’t Give Up.
Common Reasons Workers’ Comp Claims Are Denied
A denial can feel like the end of the road, but it’s often just the insurer’s first move. In Maryland, workers’ compensation claims get denied for reasons such as:
- Late reporting – waiting too long to tell your employer can lead them to say there’s “no proof it happened at work.”
- Disputes over work-relatedness – for example, if no one saw the injury happen or it developed over time, like chronic back pain.
- Pre-existing condition arguments – insurers may try to blame an old injury or condition instead of your work accident.
- Scope of employment disputes – they might claim you weren’t doing work duties when it happened, like being off-site for lunch.
- Missed deadlines – not filing your claim form on time with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Insufficient medical evidence – their doctor says you’re not hurt, or your injury isn’t as serious as you claim.
Don’t Panic – You Have the Right to Appeal
A denial isn’t final. In Maryland, you can request a hearing before the Workers’ Compensation Commission to challenge the insurer’s decision. This hearing is your chance to present your side and prove why you should receive benefits. Time matters—acting quickly after a denial protects your right to appeal and keeps your case moving.
How We Can Overturn a Denial
We start by figuring out exactly why your claim was denied. Then we build the evidence to counter it.
- If you reported late, we may show your employer already knew through a supervisor.
- If they dispute the cause, we gather medical records and doctor’s opinions linking your injury to your work duties.
- If they blame a pre-existing condition, we prove how your job aggravated it—still compensable under Maryland law.
We handle all filings, prepare you to testify, and bring in witnesses when needed. At the hearing, we present your case with the same thoroughness we bring to a courtroom trial.
Case Experience: From Denial to Award
We’ve represented workers across Baltimore, throughout Maryland, and in Washington, D.C. who were initially turned away by insurers. In one case, an injured worker was told her knee injury was “just arthritis.” We proved that a workplace fall significantly worsened her condition, and the Commission awarded her benefits, back pay, and surgery coverage. These results happen because we know how to present the facts and challenge insurance tactics effectively.
The Appeal Timeline & What to Expect
Once we file for a hearing, your date could be set anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. The hearing itself is less formal than court but still follows a structured process. You’ll testify, and the insurer’s lawyer may ask questions. We’ll be by your side from preparation through decision. If the Commission rules against you, we can appeal to the circuit court—though many cases resolve in your favor at the hearing stage.
No Fee Unless We Win
In Maryland, workers’ comp attorney fees are contingent and must be approved by the Commission. You won’t pay us unless we win benefits for you. In some cases, we can even seek penalties or fee awards against an insurer that’s acted unfairly.
Free Case Evaluation
Contact Us to Fight Your Denial
A denied claim isn’t the end—it’s just a setback. With an experienced Maryland and Washington, D.C. workers’ compensation lawyer, and the author of a key Maryland compensation law reference, on your side, you’ll be in the strongest position to succeed. Contact us as soon as you receive a denial so we can get to work on overturning it and securing the benefits you deserve.