If your Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) claim has been denied, you’re not alone, and you’re not out of options. Every year, countless workers across Washington face denied claims due to missed deadlines, incomplete documentation, or disputes over whether their injury was truly work-related. But a denial doesn’t mean the end of your case. With the right legal support, you can fight back and potentially reverse the decision.
At Emery | Reddy, PC, our experienced L&I Attorneys have helped thousands of Washington workers navigate the complex appeals process and recover the benefits they deserve. But time is critical; if you’ve received a denial letter, you must act fast, because once the deadline passes, your right to protest or appeal may be lost forever.
Why Are L&I Claims Denied?
L&I claims can be denied for a variety of reasons, including:
- Missed deadlines for filing or responding to L&I communications.
- Insufficient medical documentation or lack of certification from your doctor
- Disputes over the cause of injury, especially if L&I believes it wasn’t work-related
- Errors in paperwork or incomplete claim forms
- Independent Medical Exams (IMEs) that contradict your treating physician’s diagnosis
Even if your claim seems straightforward, the bureaucratic nature of the L&I system can lead to delays, confusion, and ultimately denial. That’s why it’s essential to have a knowledgeable legal team on your side from the beginning, or as soon as you suspect trouble.
What Happens After a Denial?
If your L&I claim is denied, you’ll receive a written decision from the department. This letter outlines the reason for denial and starts the clock ticking on your right to protest or appeal.
You, your employer, and your doctor all have the right to protest any decision made about your claim. L&I must receive your written protest within 60 calendar days of the date you received the decision. If the denial involves vocational benefits, the deadline is even shorter, just 15 days.
If you miss these deadlines, the decision becomes final, and you may lose your chance to recover benefits.
How to Protest or Appeal a Denied Claim
There are two main ways to challenge a denied L&I claim:
1. Protest to L&I
This is the first step in disputing a decision. You submit a written protest directly to L&I, explaining why you believe the decision was incorrect and providing any supporting documentation. This can include medical records, witness statements, or additional evidence of your injury.
2. Appeal to the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA)
If your protest is unsuccessful, or if you prefer to bypass the protest, you can file a formal appeal with the BIIA. This process may involve hearings, testimony, and legal arguments. The deadline to file an appeal is also 60 days for a claim or payment decision. It is 20 days for providers to appeal a billing decision that reduces the amount paid, or demands repayment.
Navigating either process can be overwhelming, especially if you’re recovering from an injury. That’s where Emery | Reddy comes in.
Why You Need an L&I Attorney
The L&I system is complex, and even minor mistakes can cost you your benefits. An experienced L&I attorney can:
- Ensure your protest or appeal is filed on time
- Help gather and present compelling evidence
- Represent you in hearings before the BIIA
- Identify additional claims you may have under employment law
- Protect your rights and maximize your compensation
Emery | Reddy is the only law firm in Washington equipped to handle both workers’ compensation and employment law claims. That means we can look at your case from every angle, whether you’ve been wrongfully terminated, retaliated against, or denied benefits unfairly.
Common Mistakes That Can Cost You
Many workers lose out on L&I benefits simply because they didn’t know what to do, or didn’t act quickly enough. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Waiting too long to respond to a denial letter
- Failing to get medical documentation from a certified provider
- Not understanding the difference between a protest and an appeal
- Trying to handle the process alone, without legal guidance
If you’re unsure about your next step, don’t wait. Call Emery | Reddy for a Free Case Review.
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 a denied claim. However, this process also has strict requirements and deadlines. An L&I attorney can help you determine whether reopening is possible and guide you through the process.
What Benefits Could You Recover?
If your claim is successfully appealed or reopened, you may be entitled to:
- Medical benefits
- Time-loss compensation
- A settlement or award
- Vocational rehabilitation
- L&I disability pensions for the most severe injuries
These benefits can make a significant difference in your recovery and financial stability. But you won’t get them unless you fight for them, and that fight starts with a phone call.
Contact Emery | Reddy Today
If your L&I claim has been denied, don’t wait. The clock is ticking, and missing a deadline could mean losing your right to appeal forever.
Emery | Reddy has over 80 years of combined experience helping Washington workers win their L&I cases. We understand how L&I and large employers operate, and we use that knowledge to protect your rights and secure the benefits you deserve.
