Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Alaska

Denied claims: if the insurer denies benefits before a claim is filed, the worker must file a claim (Form 07-6106) with the Division within two years after the Controversion Notice was filed. If benefits are denied after a claim is filed, the worker must request a hearing (Affidavit of Readiness for Hearing) or ask the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board for more time within two years after that Controversion Notice. A final Board decision may be appealed to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission no later than 30 days after the Board serves it (15 days for a petition for review of a non-final order).

Disputed claims are heard by the Alaska Workers' Compensation Board after the worker files an Affidavit of Readiness for Hearing (Form 07-6107). A party may ask the Board to reconsider a decision within 15 days of service, or to modify it within one year after the last disability or impairment payment (or the claim's rejection). A final Board decision may be appealed to the Alaska Workers' Compensation Appeals Commission within 30 days after it is filed; Commission decisions may then go to the Alaska Supreme Court.

If the insurer denies benefits with a Controversion Notice before a claim is filed, the worker must file a written claim (Form 07-6106) with the Division within two years of the date the Controversion Notice was filed. If the insurer paid and then stopped disability benefits without a Controversion Notice, the claim must be filed within two years of the last disability payment. In death cases, dependents must file within one year after the death. If the insurer denies benefits after a claim is filed, the worker must request a hearing (or ask the Board for more time) within two years of that denial.