Denied Claims

Representing injured workers throughout the Twin Cities since 1989.

Has your workers’ compensation claim been denied? That doesn’t necessarily mean you’re out of options. Many denials happen because insurers overlook key evidence or misread the facts. The key to pushing back is to act quickly and back up your claim with solid documentation.

At Baehman Fitzgerald, our workers’ compensation attorneys have helped injured workers in Woodbury, across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, and western Wisconsin for nearly three decades. We know how to challenge unfair denials, communicate with insurers, and prepare appeals that meet state requirements. Get in touch with our law firm today to learn how we can fight for the benefits you are due in a free consultation session.

Common Reasons for Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation denials in the Twin Cities often come as a surprise. Many injured workers file what they believe is a straightforward claim, only to find that the insurer is disputing key details. An understanding of the most common reasons for these denials can help you recognize what went wrong and take the right steps to challenge the decision:

Missed Reporting Deadlines: You must report any job-related injury to your employer promptly, usually within 14 days of injury in Minnesota and 30 days in Wisconsin. Late reporting can raise suspicions about the injury’s cause and give the insurer a reason to deny your claim.
Disputes About Whether the Injury Happened at Work: Insurers sometimes argue that the injury occurred off the job or during your personal time. For example, a back injury that develops gradually might be blamed on non-work activities instead of your daily job duties.
Insufficient Medical Documentation: Some claims fail because medical records do not clearly connect the injury to the job. If a doctor’s report lacks detail or uses unclear language about the cause of your injury, the insurer may deny your benefits.
Preexisting Conditions: If you had a similar injury or health problem before the incident, insurers may claim the new symptoms stem from that earlier issue. Without clear medical evidence showing that work aggravated or worsened the condition, your claim may stall.
Your Employer Disputes the Claim: Some employers tell their insurers that they doubt the injury is real or that it occurred on the job. Their statements can carry weight in the insurer’s decision, especially if no witnesses or immediate reports exist.
Failure to Seek Prompt Medical Care: If you wait too long to see a doctor after the injury, it can weaken your claim. Insurers may argue that you would have sought immediate medical attention for a true work injury, so your condition must not be that bad.
Administrative Errors or Incomplete Forms: Missing signatures, incorrect dates, or incomplete sections on your claim form could lead to an automatic denial. Even minor paperwork errors can stop a claim before it reaches review.
Surveillance or Social Media Evidence: Insurers sometimes deny claims after finding videos, photos, or posts showing you engaging in physical activities that contradict your injury statements, even if the evidence is old or inconclusive.

How Minnesota and Wisconsin Handle Workers' Comp Denials

Minnesota and Wisconsin law both give you the right to challenge a denied workers’ comp claim through the states’ workers’ compensation systems. If an insurer denies your benefits in Woodbury, it must send you a written letter explaining the reason for the denial.

A denial does not necessarily mean the end of your case. Instead, it triggers your right to appeal the decision. Once you request an appeal, your case will proceed through a specific process that may involve mediation, arbitration, settlement discussions, or hearings. The goal of this process is to determine whether your injury qualifies for benefits per your state’s workers’ comp laws.

What To Do After a Workers' Compensation Denial

Getting a denial letter can feel discouraging, but you can use the information it contains to plan your next move. First, you’ll want to read the letter carefully to understand the reason the insurer gave for the denial. Many denials involve problems like missing medical evidence, incomplete forms, or timing issues that can be corrected.

Next, you should gather all medical records, incident reports, and doctors’ notes that connect your injury to your job. A written timeline of your symptoms and treatment can also help. It’s wise to contact your employer at this stage to confirm that their report of your work injury reached the insurer correctly.

Finally, you should speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Woodbury to determine whether you’ll need to file an appeal. The sooner you start this process, the stronger your chances of reversing the denial and securing the benefits you are owed.

Appealing a Denied Claim in Minneapolis-St. Paul

The appeals process begins when you file a Claim Petition (in Minnesota) or a Hearing Application form (in Wisconsin). These forms ask a judge to review the denial and decide whether your claim qualifies for benefits. After you file the form, both sides will have the opportunity to exchange medical and employment records, attend conferences, and participate in mediation or arbitration. If the case doesn’t settle, it may move to a formal hearing before a judge who will issue a written decision.

Deadlines matter in workers’ compensation appeals. In Minnesota, you generally have three years from the date of injury to file a petition if the insurer denies liability. If your benefits stopped after payments began, you have one year from the date on the denial notice. In Wisconsin, you have just 21 days to request a review if you do not receive a favorable decision at your hearing. Missing these deadlines can ruin your case, so it’s best to work with a knowledgeable local attorney who can help you identify important dates and keep your case on track.

When To Contact a Workers' Compensation Lawyer

The best time to contact a workers’ comp lawyer is as soon as your claim runs into problems, even if you haven’t received a denial letter. Lawyers who handle claim denials know the procedures for filing appeals, preparing for hearings, and negotiating settlements that reflect your actual losses. They can also deal directly with insurers and the state on your behalf to save you time and stress. Do not wait for a final denial before seeking legal advice. The moment an insurer starts questioning your injury or delaying payments, it’s time to get help.

How Our Law Firm Handles Denied Claims

When you come to the Woodbury workers’ comp attorneys at Baehman Fitzgerald after a denied claim, we start by reviewing every detail of the insurer’s letter and your related records. We’ll look carefully for what might have gone wrong, whether it’s missing paperwork, unclear medical evidence, or an unfair decision. From there, we’ll gather more evidence, speak with your doctors for additional information about your condition, and prepare your appeal.

At our law office, the attorney who takes your call is the attorney who will build your case and stand with you throughout the rest of the process. When you call us, you’ll always talk to a real person who will listen and explain what happens next. Our Woodbury law firm has served injured workers in Minnesota and Wisconsin for decades, and we use that experience every day to help people like you appeal denials and recover the benefits they need.

Let's Discuss Your Case

If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, now is the time to act. Every day you wait can make it harder to gather the evidence and meet the appeal deadlines. A lawyer from Baehman Fitzgerald can review your denial letter, help you explore your options, and build a clear plan to move your case forward. Contact our law firm today for a free initial consultation to get started.