What Happens If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied in Maryland?

Finding out that your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or contested can leave you with a lot of questions. How are you going to pay your medical bills? What happens if you’re still out of work? And does the denial mean you’re out of options?

If your workers’ compensation claim was denied in Maryland, it doesn’t necessarily mean your case is over. In fact, your claim may be contested rather than denied, which means your employer or its insurance company is disputing the claim, and it may need to go before the Maryland Workers' Compensation Commission.

If the Commission has already issued an order denying your claim, you may still have options to challenge that decision. The first step is understanding where you are in the process.

Was Your Workers’ Comp Claim Denied or Contested?

We often hear from people who think their workers’ comp claim has been denied when it has actually been contested. So what’s the difference?

	Contested Claim	Denied Claim
What It Means	Your employer or its insurance is disputing your claim or an issue within it.	The Workers’ Compensation Commission has issued an order denying your claim.
What Happens Next	The disputed issue may go before the Commission for a hearing.	You may have options to request a hearing or appeal the Commission’s decision.
Why It Matters	Benefits such as medical treatment or wage payments may be held up while the dispute is ongoing.	Important deadlines apply if you want to challenge the Commission’s decision.

If you’re not sure which applies to you, start with the notice or order you received. A Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer can also review it with you and explain where your claim stands.

Why Was My Workers’ Comp Claim Contested?

An employer or insurance company can contest a claim for a number of different reasons. They may question whether the injury occurred at work, whether your medical condition is connected to the accident, or whether filing and reporting requirements were followed. 

Sometimes only one part of a claim is disputed, such as a particular medical treatment or benefit.

The important thing to understand is what exactly is being contested. Once you know the answer to that, you can better understand what needs to be addressed. 

What Happens to Medical Bills When Workers’ Comp Is Denied?

If your claim is contested, you may still need treatment even though workers’ comp isn’t paying your medical bills yet.

You may be able to use your health insurance in the meantime. Another option may be working with a medical provider who understands contested workers’ compensation claims. At TAD Law, we help clients navigate these options and coordinate care so they can focus on getting the treatment they need.

If your claim is ultimately accepted, covered medical expenses related to your workplace injury are paid by your employer’s insurance carrier.

And What About Lost Wages?

If your injury keeps you from working, wage-replacement benefits may also be affected while your claim is contested. If you expected payments that never started or your benefits stopped, that should be addressed as part of your claim. If you have questions about your benefits or what to do next, contact our team to talk through your options. 

What Happens at a Maryland Workers’ Compensation Hearing?

If your claim is contested, the dispute may go before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission. At the hearing:

• Both sides can present evidence related to the disputed issues.
• You may be asked to testify about your injury, work, and medical treatment.
• Your attorney will prepare you beforehand so you know what to expect and what questions you may be asked.
• The Commissioner will issue a decision after considering the evidence.
  
  

Most people have never been through a workers’ comp hearing before. We understand this, and appropriately prepare our clients beforehand so they understand the process and don’t walk into the hearing blind.

What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?

If the Commission denies your claim, pay attention to the date of the decision. In Maryland, you generally have 15 days to request a rehearing and 30 days to appeal the Commission’s decision.

If your claim has been contested or denied:

• Keep any notices, letters, or Commission orders you receive.
• Continue documenting your medical treatment and time missed from work.
• Pay attention to deadlines listed in your paperwork.
• Have the decision reviewed promptly by an attorney if you disagree with it or aren't sure what it means.

Worried about your job? Maryland law prohibits an employer from firing a covered employee solely because they filed a workers’ compensation claim. If you’re concerned about how your employer is responding to your injury or claim, talk with a Maryland workers’ compensation lawyer about what to do next.

Get a Second Opinion on Your Denied Workers' Comp Claim

If your claim was denied or contested and you’re not sure what to do next, bring us the notice or order and let us take a look.

Our Baltimore workers’ compensation lawyers can help you understand what’s being disputed, what options may still be available, and what comes next. If your case is headed to a hearing, we’ll also make sure you’re prepared for what to expect.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation about your Maryland workers’ compensation claim.