What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
February 13, 2026
The state of Maryland designed its Workers’ Compensation system to grant medical benefits and wage replacement to workers injured on the job—but as our workplace lawyers here at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton know, not every injured employee succeeds in their claim, regardless of the strength of their case. If you sustained an injury on the job, applied for Workers’ Compensation, and faced an unjust denial of your benefits, let us guide you through your next steps.
Why Do Workers’ Compensation Claims Get Denied?
Maryland insurance providers deny Workers’ Compensation claims for various reasons—the most common reasons include the following:
- Insufficient evidence to prove the injury occurred in the course of your employment
- Failure to file paperwork correctly
- Inaccurate or incomplete information on forms
- Refusal to follow the medical instructions given by doctors
Sometimes, insurers even deny valid claims to minimize costs.
What Should I Do Immediately After a Denial?
Do not panic after you receive a denial: First, find out why the insurance agency denied your claim. By law, the insurer must provide a written explanation for the denial.
Once you understand the reason for your denial, gather all relevant documentation related to your workplace injury, including medical records, accident reports, witness statements, and any correspondence with your employer or their insurance company.
Then, submit a claim form to the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. The commission will provide your employer with notice of your claim and an opportunity to object. If your employer disputes your claim, you have the right to request a hearing before a Workers’ Compensation commissioner.
What Happens During a Workers’ Compensation Hearing?
During this formal legal proceeding, both sides will present their case. The hearing may involve witnesses and a medical examination to determine the severity of your injuries—you will have the opportunity to present all the evidence you gathered. The employer’s insurance company will also present its case for why it denied your claim.
During this stage of the Workers’ Compensation process, an experienced employment law lawyer can make all the difference between claiming the benefits you deserve and running into a proverbial brick wall.
How Long Does the Appeals Process Take?
The Workers’ Compensation appeals process in Maryland can vary in length. The Workers’ Compensation Commission will make or deny a claim within 30 days of the mailing of the notice of the filing of a claim or the hearing. But if you appeal, the process can take much longer, especially if you pursue multiple levels of appeal.
It is important to be patient during this process while also staying proactive about following up on your case. Your lawyer can help manage expectations regarding the timeline and keep you informed about the progress of your appeal.
Can I Receive Benefits While My Appeal Is Pending?
Generally, you will not receive Workers’ Compensation benefits while your appeal is pending. However, you may have access to other resources to fill in the financial gap, including the following:
- Short-term disability insurance
- Unemployment benefits
- Personal savings or assistance from family
- Social Security Disability benefits
Protect Your Workplace Rights With the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton
You deserve a successful Workers’ Compensation claim to cover your workplace injuries, but you do not have to navigate the appeals process alone. Trust the Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton to represent you compassionately and effectively, as they fight for your rights in the workplace. For a free consultation, call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or submit our online contact form. We have offices in Baltimore and Owings Mills, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland.