Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims: What to Do Next

The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • August 8, 2025

If you’ve been injured at work and your workers’ compensation claim was denied, don’t panic–you still have options. Denials are more common than you might think, and with the best legal support, you may still receive the benefits you’re entitled to. At The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., we help injured Massachusetts workers fight for compensation through the appeals process.

Why Was Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Denied?

Determining the reason your claim was denied is essential to creating an appropriate plan of action. Common reasons include:


  • Missed Deadlines: Massachusetts has strict filing timelines. If you fail to notify your employer or file your claim in time, it could be denied.
  • Insufficient Medical Evidence: If medical records don’t clearly link your injury to your job, your claim may be rejected.
  • Disputes Over Cause: Insurance companies may argue that your injury occurred outside of work or was unrelated to work duties.
  • Pre-Existing Conditions: Insurers may claim that your injury is related to a pre-existing condition rather than a work-related issue.

What to Do After a Denial?

  1. Review the Denial Letter: Carefully review the denial notice. It should outline the specific reasons for the denial and inform you of your right to appeal.
  2. Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Don’t go through the appeals process alone. A knowledgeable attorney can identify weaknesses in your case, gather additional evidence, and represent you at hearings.
  3. File and Appeal with the DIA: In Massachusetts, appeals are handled by the Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA). You’ll need to file an Employee Claim (Form 110) and submit medical documentation to support your case.
  4. Prepare for Conciliation and Hearings: After you file, your case will go through several steps. These include conciliation, an informal meeting to see if a resolution can be reached; conference, a more formal hearing where a judge may issue a temporary decision; and hearing, where, if the case isn’t resolved, you’ll present evidence and witness testimony before an administrative judge.

How The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. Can Help

Named one of the nation’s top injured workers’ attorneys in 2025 by Workers’ Injury Law & Advocacy Group, The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C., are committed to standing up for injured workers. When your claim is denied, we review it, collect and present medical and legal evidence, represent you in all stages of the appeal, and fight to maximize your compensation for lost wages and medical bills.


With more than 60 years of experience in law and over 40 years serving the Framingham community, we’ve helped countless clients turn denied claims into approved benefits–and we’re ready to help you too.


Don’t give up–get the support you need today. A denied claim doesn’t mean the end of your case. The sooner you act, the better your chances of success. Contact The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation and get the legal representation you deserve.

Lawyer in suit writing, with scales of justice and gavel on desk.

Personal Injury Attorney in Framingham You Can Trust

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • November 4, 2025
Seeking out a personal injury lawyer after an accident can be overwhelming. With so many options, you may not know who to trust.  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , has been serving the Framingham, MA, community for over sixty years. When you need an attorney,  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  has the record to prove our commitment.
Man injured at work, aided by a colleague.

Machinery-Related Injuries: Who’s at Fault When Equipment Fails?

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • October 7, 2025
Workplaces throughout Massachusetts rely on heavy machinery and equipment to operate efficiently. In construction sites, factories, warehouses, and beyond, employees and contractors rely on machines every day to perform critical tasks. When equipment fails or malfunctions, the consequences can be devastating. Severe injuries, long recoveries, and lost wages are too common. After an accident, important questions can arise about who is legally responsible for injuries.
Motorcycle on its side in road, damaged.

Who’s Liable in an Electric Scooter Accident in Natick, MA?

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • September 9, 2025
Electric scooters are becoming more and more common on the streets of Natick, MA, offering a convenient and eco-friendly way to travel short distances. As their popularity grows, so do questions about liability in the event of an accident. Unlike cars and motorcycles, e-scooters are not considered motor vehicles in Massachusetts. That distinction changes how accident claims are handled and who may be liable.
Angry brown and black dog baring teeth, chained outside in the snow.

Can You File a Claim if a Dog Injures You Without Biting?

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • July 8, 2025
When most people think of dog-related injuries, they immediately picture dog bites–but there are other ways dogs can cause harm. In Massachusetts, you can pursue a personal injury claim even if a dog injures you without biting. At  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , we help clients throughout Framingham, Natick, Marlborough, and Milford understand their rights when it comes to dog-related injuries.
Two people tending to a person on the ground, wearing a neck brace, mask, and construction vest.

Construction Site Accidents: Protecting Workers in Massachusetts

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • June 6, 2025
Construction sites are among the most hazardous workplaces in Massachusetts. From falling objects to faulty equipment, workers face risks every day. When safety measures fail or negligence causes injury, the results can be life-changing or even fatal. At  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , we help injured workers and their families understand their rights and pursue justice.
Woman with arm sling and neck brace talking to a person at a desk in an office setting.

Understanding Whiplash: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Your Legal Rights

By The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C. • May 6, 2025
Whiplash is among the most common car accident injuries, especially in rear-end collisions. While it may sound like a minor injury, whiplash’s effects are painful, long-lasting, and disruptive to daily life. At  The Law Offices of Morton J. Shuman, P.C.  , we help whiplash victims understand the medical implications, legal rights, and compensation options.