Denied Workers’ Comp Claim in Charlotte: How Our Lawyers Can Help?

A denied workers’ comp claim in Charlotte can leave you without income or medical care when you need it most. Denials often result from missed deadlines, incomplete forms, or disputes over how the injury occurred.

Denied Workers’ Comp Claim in Charlotte: How Our Lawyers Can Help

Our attorneys understand the appeals process and can help correct errors, gather proper documentation, and fight to recover the benefits you were wrongfully denied.

Common Causes for Denied Workers’ Comp Claims in Charlotte

Injured workers may be surprised at how common it is for an insurance provider to deny a valid workers injury claim in Charlotte. One of the most frequent causes for a denied claim is a delay in reporting the injury.

North Carolina law requires employees to notify their employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Failing to do so can lead insurers to question the legitimacy of the claim. Another common cause is insufficient medical documentation. If a doctor doesn’t clearly link the injury to a specific work-related incident or if treatment was not obtained from an approved provider, the claim may be rejected.

Workers’ compensation benefits providers may dispute whether the injury happened on the job. It may be more challenging to prove an injury happened at work when there were no witnesses or video footage from surveillance cameras. If your injury stems from a pre-existing condition, it may be difficult to prove that it was exacerbated by time at work.

Understanding Workers’ Comp Claim Denials in Charlotte

Workers’ comp claim denials remain a serious issue across Charlotte, especially for those relying on benefits to recover from job-related injuries. Before the pandemic, denial rates rarely exceeded 17%. But in 2021, that number jumped. Non-COVID claims were denied about 24% of the time, while COVID-related claims saw denial rates as high as 39%.

Charlotte’s workforce includes more than 1.48 million residents across the metro area as of December 2024. Workers from neighborhoods like NoDa, South End, and Ballantyne make up a significant portion of that labor force. In fiscal year 2022–23, the State Safety, Health and Workers’ Compensation Division received 2,802 new claims from state employees alone.

Steps Our Attorneys Can Take to Secure the Benefits That You Are Owed

If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, the legal team at Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler can take steps to ensure that you receive the benefits that you are owed. We can begin by reviewing the denial letter to understand the insurer’s reasoning for denying your claim.

Then, our lawyers can gather supporting documentation to back your claim. This could include medical records, wage history, and witness statements. A lack of adequate medical documentation is a common reason that injury claims are denied following a work-related injury. Our team can file a Form 33 to request a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Legal representation plays a critical role in ensuring that your claim is taken seriously and you receive the benefits that you are owed. Many injured workers make the mistake of thinking they can handle a rejected claim on their own, only to find out that they miss out on critical benefits that they could have secured if they had relied on a workers’ compensation lawyer.

FAQs

Q: Why Are Workers’ Comp Claims Commonly Denied?

A: Claims are often denied due to missed deadlines, lack of medical evidence, or disputes over how the injury occurred. If your employer or insurer argues that your injury was not work-related or properly documented, benefits may be withheld. In Charlotte, appealing a denial requires strong records, medical support, and strict attention to process deadlines to reverse the decision and recover lost benefits.

Q: What Are the Odds of Winning a Workers’ Comp Appeal?

A: Success depends on the strength of your appeal. If you present clear medical evidence, comply with deadlines, and correct the issue that led to the denial, your chances improve. Many claims are overturned when appeals are supported by proper documentation. Workers in Charlotte often recover benefits after appeal, especially when they address gaps in the original claim and provide updated medical information.

Q: How Do You Win a Workers’ Comp Appeal in Charlotte?

A: Winning an appeal means addressing the reason for the denial head-on. Submit updated medical records, follow all appeal deadlines, and clearly explain how the injury occurred at work. Attend scheduled hearings and cooperate with all evaluations. Success depends on showing that your claim meets all state requirements and that your injury directly affects your ability to perform job duties.

Q: What Should You Do Immediately After a Denied Workers’ Comp Claim?

A: Review the denial letter carefully to understand the reason. Gather supporting documents, including medical records and injury reports. File your appeal before the deadline set by the North Carolina Industrial Commission. Keep communication records with your employer and doctor. Taking quick, organized action is the most effective way to protect your right to receive workers’ comp benefits after a denial.

Q: Can an Attorney Help Reverse a Workers’ Comp Denial?

A: Yes, an attorney can help challenge a denied claim by identifying why it was rejected and building a strong appeal. In Charlotte, legal guidance often makes the difference in securing benefits. An attorney can gather missing documentation, file a formal hearing request, represent you in front of the North Carolina Industrial Commission, and negotiate with the insurance carrier to pursue the compensation you are owed.

Contact Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Has Been Denied

A denied claim can leave you without medical care or income during your recovery. At Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler, we help injured workers in Charlotte appeal denied workers’ compensation claims and fight for the benefits they are owed.

Whether your claim was denied due to missed deadlines, lack of medical evidence, or an employer dispute, our attorneys know how to respond. We understand the appeals process and will work to fix errors, gather documentation, and present your case clearly. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and take the next step toward recovering your benefits.