Workers' Compensation
Written by: Bruce L. Weider | 2.01.2025

Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Michigan? Here's How to Appeal (2025)

Finding out that your workers' compensation claim has been denied can be a crushing blow when you're already struggling to recover from a workplace injury. It’s a frustrating and often overwhelming situation, especially as you face mounting medical bills and the financial strain of lost wages. The appeals process is filled with challenges, from gathering solid evidence to meeting legal requirements and standing up against insurance companies. When you are facing a denied worker’s comp claim in Michigan, contact Bruce L. Weider and our experienced workers' compensation attorneys can help guide you through the complexities, build a compelling case, and advocate fiercely for you. Don’t give up on the benefits you deserve—reach out today and take the first step toward justice and relief.

Understanding Workers' Compensation Appeals in Michigan

Worker’s compensation is a system designed to provide financial and medical support to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. This safety net supports the worker and their family so they can focus on recovering without facing financial ruin. However, a workers’ comp claim can be denied for several reasons, and a denial can feel devastating for a family. 

Navigating a workers’ compensation appeals process in Michigan can be a harsh process that shouldn’t be done without an experienced workers' compensation attorney on your side. The process begins by submitting the application for an appeal, and it will have a magistrate assigned to your claim. Sometimes, a mediation process is preferred and offered, and while this process may be quicker, you could leave substantial amounts of compensation on the table if you are not prepared. With the skilled legal representation of the law offices of Bruce Weider fighting for your rights you can ensure that you’ll have a trusted ally fighting for the benefits you deserve.

What Can Be Appealed?

Appealing a denied workers' compensation claim means challenging the initial decision made by the insurance company or employer to reject your request for benefits. This process gives injured workers the opportunity to have their case reconsidered by submitting additional information or arguing their position before a legal authority. 

An appeal aims to ensure fairness and determine whether the denial was made in error. It typically involves preparing and presenting strong evidence, such as medical documentation and vocational records, to prove that your injury or illness is work-related and entitles you to compensation. 

By appealing, workers fight for the medical treatment, wage replacement, and other benefits they need to recover. The appeals process allows you to dispute specific issues related to your claim, ensuring that all decisions are reviewed fairly. Whether it's the denial of benefits or disagreements over medical evidence, appealing can help safeguard your rights and improve your chances of securing the compensation you need.

Here are some key issues that can be appealed in a Michigan workers' compensation claim:

  • Denial of weekly wage loss benefits: If your benefits were denied despite being unable to work, you can appeal this decision.
  • Denial of medical treatment: You can challenge refusals to cover specific medical procedures, treatments, or prescriptions recommended by your doctor.
  • Disputed work-related injuries: When an insurer claims your injury is not job-related, this denial can be appealed.
  • Disability rating disputes: If there's disagreement over your level of disability and ability to work, you can appeal the assigned rating.
  • Incorrect wage calculation: Appeals can address errors in calculating your average weekly wage or other financial benefits.
  • Termination of benefits: If your benefits were stopped prematurely, this decision can also be contested.

By understanding these appealable areas, you can take the first step in fighting back against an unjust denial. Having skilled legal representation on your side will be crucial in navigating this process successfully and ensuring that all aspects of your claim are included in the appeal. 

Time Limits for Filing an Appeal 

Filing a workers' compensation appeal in Michigan comes with strict deadlines that must be adhered to preserve your right to challenge a denial. Typically, injured workers have 30 days from the date of receiving the decision to file an appeal. These deadlines are critical because missing them can result in the forfeiture of your ability to pursue the benefits you need. The appeals process is time-sensitive, requiring prompt action to gather necessary medical documentation, complete the Application for Mediation or Hearing, and submit all materials on time. 

Delays, even unintentional ones, can lead to the dismissal of your case, leaving you without compensation for medical care or lost wages. Acting quickly and understanding the importance of these time limits ensures your case has the best chance for success, and your attorney can help streamline the process while keeping you on track.

Why You Need an Experienced Workers' Compensation Attorney 

An attorney is crucial in guiding you through the appeals process for a denied workers' compensation claim. Your attorney will gather comprehensive evidence to strengthen your case, such as medical records and expert testimony that clearly link your injury to your job. Attorneys also prepare critical legal documents, ensuring they are accurate and submitted within strict deadlines. During hearings, they provide professional representation, presenting your case effectively and challenging any arguments from the insurance company. By managing the complexities of the process, an attorney not only simplifies the experience for you but also significantly increases the likelihood of a successful appeal.

Contact Bruce L. Weider, PC for a Free Consultation

Have you or a loved one suffered an injury or illness caused by your job? Are mounting medical bills, lost wages, or the inability to work taking a toll on your life?  If you or a loved one has been injured or left ill from their place of work, you could qualify for workers' compensation benefits. Filing for workers’ compensation can be a challenging process, but with Bruce L. Weider, PC Law Firm we can help ensure that you receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to. We are committed to seeking justice and compensation for those who have been wrongly denied the compensation they are entitled to after suffering a workplace injury. Contact Bruce L. Weider today to bring stability to your life and ease the burden of a denied workers comp claim

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Get the compensation you deserve

If you are in need of a workers' compensation attorney, contact us today. We have a track record of success in helping injured workers obtain the compensation they deserve. We understand the challenges that injured workers face, and we are dedicated to providing compassionate and effective legal representation from start to finish.

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