What should an employee do if their claim is denied?

When an employee's workers' compensation claim is denied, the best course of action is to appeal the decision. This process involves formally contesting the denial, allowing the employee to present additional evidence or arguments that support their claim. The appeals process is a critical aspect of workers' compensation systems, designed to ensure that individuals have the opportunity to seek a fair outcome regarding their claims.

Entering into an appeal can lead to a reevaluation by the appropriate authority or board, which may ultimately result in a different decision based on the merits of the case. It's essential for employees to understand their rights and the procedures in place to challenge a denial, ensuring they do not lose access to benefits that they may rightfully deserve due to a work-related injury.

Accepting the denial without challenge, seeking work elsewhere, or filing for unemployment instead are not recommended responses because they do not address the underlying issue of obtaining workers' compensation benefits, which the employee may be entitled to based on their work-related injury or illness.