Your workers' comp letter, explained
Got a letter about your workers' comp claim?
Find your letter below. Many have a deadline inside them.
- "Your claim is denied" (a denial letter)
The insurance company doesn't agree, yet, that your injury is covered. It isn't the end of your case. Call us as soon as you get it.
If your claim was denied → - "Decision on your treatment request" (a UR letter)
The insurance company's reviewer said no to, or changed, treatment your doctor asked for. You have 30 days from when it was served on you to ask for an independent review (10 days if it's only about a drug on the state's drug list). Keep the IMR application form that came with it.
If your treatment was denied → - "We need more time to decide" (a delay letter)
The insurance company generally has up to 90 days to accept or deny your claim, and it must pay for up to $10,000 of treatment while it decides. Keep going to your appointments.
If your claim is delayed → - A QME panel list (three doctors' names)
The state has given you three doctors to choose from for a medical-legal evaluation. You pick one by calling that doctor's office to make an appointment, and you have about 10 days to do it. If you wait too long, the insurance company may pick for you. Which doctor you choose can make a big difference in your case, so call us as soon as the list arrives.
- A notice of hearing
The Appeals Board has set a date. If we represent you, we appear at status conferences and settlement conferences for you, and we're with you at trials and expedited hearings.
Hearings and QMEs → - A notice of deposition
The defense attorney wants to ask you questions under oath. If we represent you, we prepare you beforehand and we're with you the whole time.
What to expect at a deposition → - A letter saying your checks are stopping or changing
Often something can be done. Write down the date each check arrives, and keep every letter.
My checks stopped or are late → - Settlement papers to sign
Don't sign until you understand what you're giving up, especially future medical care.
Settlement and retirement →
Not sure which one you have? Send us a short message and tell us what the letter says at the top. If the deadline is in the next few days, say so, and call us Monday through Thursday, 9 to noon or 2 to 4.
Talk with us about your claim.
A real person in our office reads every inquiry and responds within two business days.
Have a deadline in the next few days? Say so in your message, and we'll look at yours first. You can also call us Monday through Thursday, 9 to noon or 2 to 4.
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 4 p.m. Closed Fridays.