Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in California

Disputed claims: workers' comp disputes are decided by workers' compensation judges at the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB); a case is started by filing an Application for Adjudication of Claim, generally within one year (see the claim deadline). To appeal a judge's decision, a petition for reconsideration must be received by the WCAB district office that issued it within 20 days from the date the decision was issued, or within 25 days if the decision was mailed to an address in California; the seven-member Appeals Board decides it.

If your claim is denied or you disagree with a decision, there are deadlines for filing papers, so act quickly. Disputes are decided by workers' compensation judges at the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB); an Information & Assistance officer can help you request a hearing (an Application for Adjudication of Claim starts a case). If you disagree with a judge's decision, you can request reconsideration by the seven-member Appeals Board. Disputes over denied medical treatment go through utilization review and independent medical review (IMR).

Proceedings to collect workers' comp medical treatment or disability benefits must generally be started within one year from the latest of: the date of injury, the end of any period covered by disability payments, or the last date medical treatment benefits were provided.