Navigating a workers’ compensation claim in Washington state can be overwhelming, especially when your claim is denied. Whether you’re dealing with missed deadlines, confusing paperwork, or disputes over the cause of your injury, a denied claim doesn’t mean the end of the road. In fact, with the right legal guidance, many workers successfully appeal and recover the benefits they deserve.
That’s where Emery | Reddy, PLLC comes in. As one of Washington’s leading law firms for workers’ compensation and employment law, Emery | Reddy has built a reputation for helping injured workers fight back against unfair claim denials.
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Why L&I Claims Get Denied
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) handles thousands of claims each year. Unfortunately, many are denied due to:
Even if your injury is legitimate and well-documented, the bureaucratic nature of the L&I system can work against you. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and seek professional help if your claim is denied.
What to Do After a Denial
If you receive a denial letter from L&I, it’s important to understand your rights, and your timeline. You, your employer, or your doctor can protest the decision, but L&I must receive your written protest within 60 days of the date you received the decision. For vocational determinations, the deadline is even shorter at 15 days.
If you miss these deadlines, the decision becomes final, and your ability to recover benefits may be lost.
Protest vs. Appeal: What’s the Difference?
There are two primary ways to challenge a denied L&I claim:
1. Protest to L&I
This is an informal process where you submit a written explanation and supporting documents to L&I. It’s often the first step in disputing a decision.
2. Appeal to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA)
If your protest is unsuccessful, or if you want to skip that step, you can file a formal appeal with the BIIA. This process is more structured and may involve hearings, legal arguments, and witness testimony.
Both options have strict deadlines, and missing them can jeopardize your case. That’s why many workers turn to Emery | Reddy for help navigating the process.
Why Choose Emery | Reddy?
Emery | Reddy is unique among Washington law firms because they handle both workers’ compensation and employment law cases. This dual expertise allows them to uncover additional claims, such as retaliation, wrongful termination, or wage violations, that other firms might miss.
Their attorneys have over 80 years of combined experience and a proven track record of helping injured workers recover:
Whether your claim was denied due to a technicality or a dispute over medical evidence, Emery | Reddy knows how to build a strong case and fight for your rights.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many workers lose out on benefits simply because they didn’t know what to do. Here are some common pitfalls:
Can You Reopen a Denied Claim?
In some cases, yes. If your condition worsens or new evidence becomes available, you may be able to reopen your claim. However, this process also has strict requirements and deadlines. An experienced attorney can help you determine if reopening is possible and guide you through the necessary steps.
The Bottom Line
Denied L&I benefits can feel like a dead end, but they don’t have to be. With the right legal team, you can challenge the decision, present compelling evidence, and potentially recover the compensation you deserve.
Emery | Reddy is committed to helping Washington workers navigate the complex world of L&I claims. From initial protests to formal appeals, their attorneys are with you every step of the way.
Call (206) 442-9106 or visit Emery | Reddy today to schedule your free case review. There’s no fee unless they recover for you.
