Springfield Workers’ Compensation Appeals Attorney

Appealing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim in Springfield, Missouri

Suffering a work-related injury or illness can be a life-altering experience that puts a lot on the line, which is why securing fair compensation is so critical. Unfortunately, workers’ compensation claims are frequently denied or under-compensated, putting workers and their families in dire straits.

At Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., we help workers across Greene County and Missouri in all matters involving workers’ compensation appeals. From resolving complicated disputes over disability determinations, medical benefits, and wage supplementation to crafting custom-tailored strategies following denials, we provide step-by-step guidance to workers who rely on successful appeals to secure the benefits and compensation they deserve.

If your workers' compensation claim has been unjustly denied or undervalued, our Springfield workers’ compensation appeals lawyers can help you through the journey ahead. Call (888) 287-1046 or contact us online to request a FREE evaluation of your case.

How Does the Missouri Workers’ Compensation Appeals Process Work? 

Missouri’s workers’ compensation system exists to help workers after they’ve suffered injuries and illnesses in the course of their employment by providing medical treatment, wage supplementation, disability pay, death benefits, and other forms of support. 

While workers’ compensation is a no-fault system – meaning that workers do not need to prove that their employer was negligent or at fault to receive benefits – issues can arise that threaten a worker’s benefits and create a need for appeals. Some common examples include disputes involving:

• Claim denials. Claims that are denied in full are a leading reason for seeking an appeal. Reasons for a denial may range from procedural or administrative mistakes to serious disputes about material facts, such as whether injuries are work related or covered by workers’ compensation. 
• Nature and severity of injuries. Disputes may arise when workers’ compensation insurers disagree about the nature and severity of injuries suffered by workers, which can directly impact their medical and wage loss benefits.
• Whether injuries are work-related. Only workers who suffer injuries and illnesses that are work-related (meaning they occurred at work or while performing work duties) are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Insurers that raise these challenges may claim that injuries were pre-existing or otherwise caused by non-work activities.
• Disability certifications. To obtain disability benefits, injured workers must have their disability certified by an authorized provider and an independent medical examiner hired by the insurance company. These providers may have different opinions about a workers’ disability classification, which directly influences whether they can receive benefits for Permanent, Temporary, Partial, or Total Disability, or opinions that workers simply don’t agree with.
• Medical fees. Workers’ compensation only covers medical care that is “reasonable and necessary” for the treatment of a work-related injury or disease. Sometimes, insurers will argue that some or all the treatment received by workers was not necessary to minimize how much they have to pay. 

How to Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Decision 

In Missouri, workers who have been denied workers’ compensation, disagree with awarded benefits, or have disputes about medical treatment and other aspects of their cases have the right to appeal. Generally, this process will proceed as follows:

1. Initial Appeal / Evidentiary Hearing. If an insurance company denies your claim or refuses to make a fair settlement offer, the first step is to file an appeal with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation and request an evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Prior to your hearing, you’ll need to prepare by gathering critical documents and coordinating with medical professionals and other experts to substantiate your claim. During the hearing, you and your attorney can present evidence and arguments that support your claim, and the ALJ will decide about your award. 
2. Appealing a Workers’ Compensation Case Decision. If you disagree with an award issued by an ALJ, you can request the Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission (Labor Commission) to review the award. If you proceed to this appeals level, you must file a written Application for Review within 20 days of the judge’s award. You’ll receive a confirmation letter and records of your case will be forwarded to a three-member panel of the Commission for consideration. The Commission generally does not take additional evidence, but you may request to present newly discovered evidence if necessary. If two of the three members of the Commissioners panel reviewing your case agree with your position, they will issue a decision in your favor or conversely against you. This decision becomes final 10 days after it is issued.
3. Missouri Court of Appeals. If you do not agree with the Labor Commission’s decision, you may request that your case be reviewed by the Missouri Court of Appeals. To request this appeal, you must file notice with the Labor Commission within 20 days after the Commission’s decision becomes final and pay the accompanying docket fee. Your request must also first be approved by the Missouri Supreme Court, as these appeals consider only whether there were any legal errors and do not make new findings of fact. 
4. Missouri Supreme Court. The final step in the Missouri workers’ compensation appeals process is a review by the Missouri Supreme Court. However, these cases are relatively rare, as the Court will only accept cases concerning limited issues.   

Why Choose Our Workers’ Compensation Appeals Lawyers?

Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C. is a nationally recognized plaintiffs’ firm focused exclusively on fighting for injured workers and victims in workers’ compensation and civil personal injury claims. Backed by over 235 years of collective experience, our attorneys have recovered more than $400 million in compensation for clients and have earned the trust of countless workers and families. 

With matters as crucial as appealing a workers’ compensation claim, we make it a point to provide comprehensive service and support. Our clients appreciate that we’re able to assist with:

• Evaluating Reasons for Denials. We meticulously review the reasons behind your claim’s denial, addressing any areas of concern such as disputes over the work-related nature of the injury or the severity of your impairment.
• Navigating the Appeals Process. Our legal experts guide you through each step of the complex appeals process, ensuring you understand your rights and the legal avenues available to you.
• Completing All Legal Work. We handle all necessary legal work, from filing paperwork to compiling essential documentation and evidence to support your claim.
• Meeting Deadlines. Timing is critical in the appeals process. We ensure all submissions meet the stringent deadlines set by Missouri law to avoid any unnecessary delays in your case.
• Presenting the Strongest Possible Case. Our legal team crafts a compelling argument on your behalf, integrating solid evidence and expert testimony to present the strongest possible case to the appeals board.

Call Today For a FREE Consultation: (888) 287-1046

If you’ve been denied workers’ compensation benefits or have not received a fair settlement from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer, the time to act is now.

In Missouri, the workers’ compensation appeals process moves quickly and is subject to strict notice and filing deadlines. By taking immediate action and reaching out to our experienced workers’ compensation team at Aaron Sachs & Associates, P.C., you can gain the support to evaluate your options and prepare for the next steps. 

Our workers’ compensation appeals attorneys serve clients throughout Springfield, Missouri and beyond. Contact us online or call (888) 287-1046 for a free consultation.