What to Do If Your Workers' Compensation Benefits Are Denied

Workers’ compensation is supposed to be a safety net for employees injured on the job. When that safety net fails, it can leave workers feeling vulnerable and unsure of their next steps.  

If your claim was denied, whether due to procedural mistakes, disputes over the severity of your injury, or employer/insurer pushback, you must act swiftly.  

At Armstrong Law Offices, P.S., Attorney James Armstrong has helped countless Washington workers in Seattle, Tacoma, and Renton fight for the benefits they need and deserve.  

A former U.S. Marine Corps veteran and experienced attorney with over two decades of practice, he brings integrity and tenacity to every case.  

If you've been injured on the job, dealing with complicated legal processes can be a heavy lift—that’s where Attorney Armstrong can step in and make a difference. 

Let's explore what you can do if your workers' compensation benefits are denied, why you should work with an attorney to protect your rights, and what Washington laws say about workers’ comp claims. 

Why Are Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied?  

Before exploring the next steps, let's try to understand why your claim might have been denied. Here are some common reasons for denial:  

• Lack of timely reporting: Report your injury to your employer quickly. A delay in reporting may lead to an employer disputing the validity of your injury.   

• Disputes over the cause of the injury: Employers might argue that your injury didn’t happen at work or isn’t work-related.  

• Insufficient medical documentation: An opinion from your medical provider that your injury was caused by your work activities is required.  

• Missed medical appointments: Seeking medical attention immediately and keeping appointments is key in establishing a work injury did indeed take place, and that ongoing medical treatment is necessary.  

• Errors on the claim form: Even small mistakes on your initial paperwork can result in a denial.  Try to be as precise as possible with the description of your accident or, in the case of an occupational disease, the description of your job duties.

What to Do When Your Claim Is Denied  

Receiving a denial letter might feel like the end of the road, but it doesn’t have to be. Follow these steps to keep fighting for the benefits you deserve: 

Step 1: Review the Denial Letter  

Make note of the date of the denial letter, as you will have 60 days to protest or appeal. Missing this deadline means the end of your claim forever.

Step 2: Request a Reconsideration  

If you believe a mistake was made, you can ask that the decision to be reviewed again. This is typically accomplished by providing additional documentation, such as medical evidence, eyewitness statements, or verification of your workplace duties. Keep in mind that timeframes are strict: 60 days. File your reconsideration request as quickly as possible.  

Step 3: Appeal the Decision  

Washington allows workers to appeal a denial through the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). This process involves mediation with the Department of Labor and Industries or the Self-Insured Employer, where you will be given the opportunity to gather and present more evidence. You may eventually have to appear at a hearing where evidence will be presented before a Judge. The appeals process can get complicated without legal guidance.  

Step 4: Collect Additional Evidence  

Gather everything needed to strengthen your case. This may include medical records, notes from your treating physician, or surveillance footage that supports the timeline of your accident. Detailed documentation can often tip the scales in your favor.  

Step 5: Work with an Attorney  

Workers’ comp law can get highly technical. Employers and insurers usually have seasoned legal teams working behind the scenes to protect their profits. That’s why you need to partner with a skilled attorney with experience in advocating for injured workers. They can review your case, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and prepare you for hearings or appeals. 

Workers’ Compensation Laws in Washington  

Washington has one of the country’s more robust workers’ compensation systems, administered by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Understanding these laws can provide insight into what you’re entitled to after a workplace injury: 

• No-fault system: Washington's workers’ comp system operates under a no-fault framework. This means you don’t need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. However, insurers may still contest claims and attempt to avoid payouts.  

• Coverage for all employees: Nearly all workers in Washington are covered under L&I. Certain exceptions might apply, such as independent contractors or volunteers, but coverage is generally extensive.  

• Benefits provided: Workers’ comp benefits in Washington can include medical care costs, wage replacement for lost work, disability benefits (temporary or permanent, partial or total), and vocational rehabilitation for retraining.  

• Filing deadlines: Injury claims must be reported within one year, while occupational diseases must be reported within two years of medical opinion relating your condition to your work activities. Staying within these timelines is necessary to protect your claim.  

• Appeal deadlines: If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal with the BIIA.  

The Importance of Acting Quickly  

A denial of your workers’ compensation benefits doesn’t just delay financial support—it can jeopardize your ability to pay for medical care and other expenses. Acting quickly limits disruptions to your case and helps meet critical deadlines. The sooner you gather evidence, request reconsideration, or appeal, the better your chance of success.  

Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Kent, Washington  

Armstrong Law Offices, P.S. treats every case with the same dedication and integrity James Armstrong showed in serving the country as a U.S. Marine. Since earning his Juris Doctor from Seattle University in 2000, James has spent over 20 years advocating for injured workers throughout Washington.

From Kent to Seattle, Tacoma, and Renton, our clients rely on us for honest, straightforward advice. If you’ve been denied workers’ compensation benefits, we will take on the challenges ahead.