What Happens When Your Maryland Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied? Can You Appeal?

You filed the paperwork, waited for a decision, and then the letter arrives: denied. Now what? For injured workers across Maryland, a denial from the Workers’ Compensation Commission can feel like the end of the road, but is it really? Baltimore workers’ compensation attorneys often point out that a denial is a decision, not necessarily a final word.

Why Do Claims Get Denied in the First Place?

Denials happen for a range of reasons. An employer or insurer might dispute whether an injury actually occurred at work, question whether it arose out of and in the course of employment, or argue that medical evidence does not support the claimed disability. Missed deadlines, incomplete documentation, or conflicting medical opinions can also factor into a denial. So is a denial always about the merits of the injury itself? Not necessarily. Sometimes it reflects a paperwork gap or a factual dispute that has yet to be sorted out.

Can a Denied Claim Actually Be Appealed?

Yes. Maryland law allows a party who disagrees with a decision of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, whether that is a full denial, a partial award, or another disputed finding, to seek review. Under Section 9-737 of the Labor and Employment Article, an appeal must be filed within 30 days after the date the Commission’s order was mailed, not the date it was received. That distinction has tripped up more than one claimant who assumed the clock started later.

What Does the Appeal Process Actually Involve?

An appeal from the Commission moves the matter into circuit court through a petition for judicial review. This is a more formal proceeding than the original Commission hearing, and it can include the right to request a jury. Curious what that shift means practically? It means the case is no longer just in front of a commissioner reviewing medical records and testimony. It becomes a civil court matter, with its own procedural rules, filing requirements, and timelines running alongside the original claim.

What Should You Do If Your Claim Was Denied?

Time matters here more than almost anywhere else in the process. Missing the 30 day window can permanently close the door on appealing that particular decision. Beyond timing, understanding what evidence supported the denial, whether additional medical documentation might help, and how the appeal interacts with any other pending issues in the claim all shape what happens next.

Have you recently received a denial and are not sure what your options look like? Every claim has its own facts, medical history, and procedural posture, and figuring out the right next step is not always straightforward. Our Baltimore workers’ compensation attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP are ready to talk through your denial and what appealing it might involve. Contact our firm to schedule a confidential consultation.

Source:

law.justia.com/codes/maryland/labor-and-employment/title-9/subtitle-7/section-9-737/