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A denied workers’ comp claim can feel like a dead end—but it’s not. Missouri law gives injured employees the right to challenge claim denials through a formal workers compensation appeals process. Whether your claim was denied due to a paperwork error or a dispute about how your injury occurred, you may still be eligible for the workers compensation benefits you deserve.
At OnderLaw, we help injured workers fight back after wrongful denials. Our experienced St. Louis workers compensation attorneys understand the complex appeals system and how to build the strongest case possible.
Missouri’s workers compensation programs operate under a no-fault system. You don’t have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive benefits. But that doesn’t stop insurers from looking for reasons to deny claims.
You didn’t report your injury within 30 days
Paperwork was incomplete or submitted late
Your employer disputes that the injury is work-related
There’s a lack of medical evidence
The insurer claims your condition is pre-existing
Even small errors or inconsistencies can give the insurance company ammunition to reject your claim. But a denial is not the end of the road.
If your claim is denied, you can file a Request for Review with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. This must be submitted within 20 days of receiving your denial notice.
File a Request for Review (within 20 days)
Case may move to mediation to resolve the issue informally
If unresolved, the case proceeds to a hearing before an administrative law judge
If the judge denies your appeal, you can request a review by the Missouri Labor and Industrial Relations Commission within 20 more days
Further appeals can go to the Missouri Court of Appeals, and potentially to the Missouri Supreme Court
Each level of appeal requires strict adherence to deadlines and procedures. This is where having an attorney familiar with the compensation act, administrative law judges, and the workers compensation appeals board can make or break your case.
Read more on the Missouri Labor Commission’s appeal process
An experienced lawyer from OnderLaw can:
Review the reason for denial
Gather new and stronger medical evidence
Prepare legal documents and complete the review form
File a notice of appeal within the legal timeframe
Represent you before a workers compensation judge or at hearings
Cross-examine witnesses or consult medical experts
Pursue the case through each level—including the department of labor, appeals commissions, and courts
We also assist with electronic filing of appeals and documentation to reduce delays and ensure accuracy.
Some cases are resolved early through a mediation session arranged by the state. This is an opportunity to negotiate with the insurer outside of court.
If mediation fails, your appeal goes before an administrative law judge (ALJ). You’ll present your case, introduce evidence, and possibly call witnesses.
If the ALJ denies your claim, you can escalate to the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission. These officials are appointed by the governor and serve as the state’s workers compensation appeals board.
Still denied? You can file with the Missouri Court of Appeals within 30 days. From there, your appeal could reach the state supreme court who decides appeals, though most cases resolve before that point.
The workers compensation appeals process is legally intense, time-sensitive, and often stacked against injured workers. Without proper representation, your chances of reversing a denial drop significantly.
At OnderLaw, we understand how the system works—and how insurers attempt to exploit it. We handle all aspects of your case, from filing the review form to presenting arguments before a judge.
Our firm works on contingency, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
If your claim for workers compensation benefits has been denied, don’t give up. Reach out to OnderLaw today to schedule a free consultation. We can help you:
Understand your legal rights
Meet all appeal deadlines
Gather evidence that supports your case
Appear before the workers compensation appeals board wcab
Maximize your chances for approval
Let our trusted legal team handle the system so you can focus on healing.
You have 20 days from the date you receive your denial letter to file a Request for Review with the Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation. If you're appealing a judge's ruling, you also have 20 days to request further review by the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission
In Missouri, the Labor and Industrial Relations Commission acts as the workers compensation appeals board. It reviews decisions made by administrative law judges and can affirm, modify, or reverse those rulings. This commission is made up of members appointed by the governor.
While it’s legally allowed to represent yourself, workers compensation appeals are legally complex and involve strict deadlines, extensive documentation, and courtroom procedures. Having an experienced attorney dramatically increases your chances of success.
Missing the 20-day appeal deadline could forfeit your right to pursue benefits. It’s critical to act quickly after receiving a denial. If you’re unsure about your timeline, contact a lawyer immediately to explore any remaining legal options.
Strong evidence includes updated medical records, expert medical opinions, witness statements, accident reports, and clear documentation of how your injury occurred on the job. An attorney can help gather and present this evidence effectively during your appeal.
