Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in Arkansas

Denied claims: a claim for compensation generally must be filed with the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission within two years from the date of the injury (two years from death for death benefits); a claim for additional compensation must be filed within one year from the last payment or two years from the injury, whichever is later. A claim may be dismissed if no bona fide hearing request is made within six months after filing. A party must file a written petition for review by the Full Commission within 30 days of receiving an administrative law judge's decision, and a notice of appeal to the Arkansas Court of Appeals within 30 days of receiving the Full Commission's decision.

After a claim (Form AR-C) is filed, disputes not resolved by a Legal Advisor's preliminary conference or mediation are assigned, on request, to a Commission Administrative Law Judge for a hearing. Either party may hire an attorney; attorney fees must be approved by the Commission, and in contested cases half the fee is paid by the employer or insurer. Decisions of an Administrative Law Judge can be appealed to the Full Commission.

A claim for compensation (Form AR-C) must be filed with the Commission within two years from the date of injury or death, or within one year from the date of the last payment of compensation, whichever is later.