Appealing a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in District of Columbia
The deadline to challenge a denied workers' comp claim in District of Columbia, where to file, and the steps from hearing to appeal.
Short answer: Disputed claims: a claim is filed with the Mayor (the Office of Workers' Compensation); on application of any interested party, a hearing must be ordered within 90 days, and an order rejecting or awarding the claim issues within 20 days after the hearing. D.C. Code §§ 32-1520, 32-1522
| Deadline to challenge a denial | Disputed claims: a claim is filed with the Mayor (the Office of Workers' Compensation); on application of any interested party, a hearing must be ordered within 90 days, and an order rejecting or awarding the claim issues within 20 days after the hearing. A party aggrieved by a compensation order may file an application for review with the Compensation Review Board within 30 days of the order's issuance (the other side may oppose within 15 days); otherwise the order becomes final after 30 days. A final decision may then be reviewed by the D.C. Court of Appeals. The sections read set no deadline to request a hearing after a denial or to petition the Court of Appeals. Source: D.C. Code §§ 32-1520, 32-1522 |
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| Appealing a denial | If a claim is denied or benefits stop, the worker can request an informal conference with an OWC claims examiner (a recommendation is issued within 30 days of the conference) or go directly to a formal hearing by filing an Application for Formal Hearing with the DOES Administrative Hearings Division. A party unhappy with the resulting compensation order may file an application for review with the Compensation Review Board within 30 days of the order; otherwise the order becomes final after 30 days. Board decisions may then be appealed to the D.C. Court of Appeals. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Deadline to file a claim | A written claim (DCWC Form 7a, Employee's Claim Application) must be filed with the Office of Workers' Compensation within one year after the injury or death, or within one year after the last payment if benefits were paid without an award. The year does not start until the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. A late claim is barred only if the employer objects at the first hearing. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
Where to get help in District of Columbia
More District of Columbia workers' compensation
- Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in District of Columbia
- How Much Workers' Comp Pays in District of Columbia
- Workers' Comp Settlements in District of Columbia
- Retaliation for Filing Workers' Comp in District of Columbia
- Suing Over a Work Injury in District of Columbia
- All District of Columbia workers' compensation rules
FAQ
How long do you have to appeal a denied workers' comp claim in District of Columbia?
Disputed claims: a claim is filed with the Mayor (the Office of Workers' Compensation); on application of any interested party, a hearing must be ordered within 90 days, and an order rejecting or awarding the claim issues within 20 days after the hearing. A party aggrieved by a compensation order may file an application for review with the Compensation Review Board within 30 days of the order's issuance (the other side may oppose within 15 days); otherwise the order becomes final after 30 days. A final decision may then be reviewed by the D.C. Court of Appeals.
How do you appeal a denied workers' comp claim in District of Columbia?
If a claim is denied or benefits stop, the worker can request an informal conference with an OWC claims examiner (a recommendation is issued within 30 days of the conference) or go directly to a formal hearing by filing an Application for Formal Hearing with the DOES Administrative Hearings Division. A party unhappy with the resulting compensation order may file an application for review with the Compensation Review Board within 30 days of the order; otherwise the order becomes final after 30 days. Board decisions may then be appealed to the D.C. Court of Appeals.
What is the deadline to file a workers' comp claim in District of Columbia?
A written claim (DCWC Form 7a, Employee's Claim Application) must be filed with the Office of Workers' Compensation within one year after the injury or death, or within one year after the last payment if benefits were paid without an award. The year does not start until the worker knew or should have known the injury was work-related. A late claim is barred only if the employer objects at the first hearing.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.