Claim Denied? We're Just Getting Started.

A denial letter from the insurance company feels like a door slamming shut. It isn't. Minnesota law gives you the right to appeal — and we've been winning those appeals for 18 years.

Why Insurance Companies Deny Valid Claims

Insurers deny workers' compensation claims for a handful of predictable reasons. Predictable doesn't mean easy to fight — but it does mean we've seen every argument before and know exactly how to counter each one.

 

The most common denial reasons we encounter:

 

  • The insurer disputes that the injury happened at work or is work-related
  • The employer contests the claim outright before the insurer even reviews it
  • The insurer argues a pre-existing condition caused your symptoms, not your job
  • The medical evidence on file is deemed insufficient to support the claim
  • The injury developed gradually over time and the insurer won't acknowledge cumulative trauma as compensable

 

None of these denials are automatic. Every one of them can be challenged.

Where a Denied Claim Goes Next in Minnesota

Minnesota routes disputed workers' comp claims through two different venues depending on the type and size of the dispute. Knowing which one applies to your situation matters.

Department of Labor and Industry (DOLI)

For medical disputes under $7,500 on admitted liability claims, the Department of Labor and Industry offers a faster administrative process. These disputes typically involve disagreements over specific treatment, not the underlying claim itself.

Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH)

Larger disputes — and all denied claims where the insurer or employer contests liability — go to the Office of Administrative Hearings. This is a formal contested case process with discovery, evidence, and a hearing before an administrative law judge. It is the venue where most denied claims are actually resolved.

 

We handle both. The right path depends on your specific denial, and we'll tell you exactly which one applies after we review your case.

Appeal Deadlines Are Real — and They Matter

Minnesota workers' compensation law sets deadlines for challenging a denial. Those deadlines vary based on the type of claim, the denial reason, and where you are in the process. Waiting does not pause the clock.

 

We are not saying this to pressure you. We are saying it because the most common thing we hear from workers who waited is that they wish they had called sooner. A free case review costs you nothing and tells you exactly where you stand.

Don't Assume You're Out of Time. Find Out First.

Workers who call us after a denial often assume the worst — that they waited too long, made the wrong move, or said something that killed their case. Most of the time, that's not true. But the only way to know is to have someone actually look at your situation.

 

That's what the free case review is for. No obligation, no cost, no pressure. Just a clear answer on where you stand and what your options are.

An aerial view of a city skyline at sunset.

The Insurance Company Has Lawyers. So Should You.

When an insurer denies your claim, their legal team has already been involved. They've reviewed your file, assessed their exposure, and made a calculated decision. The denial letter is not a neutral administrative act — it's a legal position.

 

We represent injured workers on contingency. That means you pay nothing unless we recover for you. Cost is never a reason to face their attorneys alone.

 

  • 18 years representing injured workers in Minnesota and Wisconsin
  • Named Minnesota Lawyer Attorney of the Year in 2011 for workers' compensation representation
  • Licensed in both Minnesota and Wisconsin — one of the only Twin Ports firms practicing on both sides of the harbor
  • Contingency fee model: if you don't recover, we don't recover
  • You work directly with Mike, not an associate or a paralegal

Frequently Asked Questions About Denied Workers' Comp Claims in Minnesota

  • What do I do if my workers' comp claim was denied in Minnesota?

    Do not treat the denial as final. Minnesota law gives you the right to appeal through either the Department of Labor and Industry or the Office of Administrative Hearings, depending on your situation. The first step is understanding why the claim was denied and what deadline applies to your appeal. A free case review with our office will give you that information at no cost.

  • How long do I have to appeal a denied workers' comp claim in Minnesota?

    Deadlines vary based on the type of denial and where you are in the process. There is no single universal timeframe. What is consistent is that waiting reduces your options. Contact us as soon as possible after receiving a denial so we can identify the applicable deadline for your specific situation.

  • Can I appeal if the insurance company says my injury was pre-existing?

    Yes. A pre-existing condition does not automatically disqualify a workers' comp claim in Minnesota. If your work aggravated, accelerated, or combined with a pre-existing condition to cause your current symptoms, you may still have a compensable claim. This is one of the most common denial arguments we challenge.

  • What does it cost to hire a workers' comp attorney for a denied claim in Minnesota?

    Nothing upfront. We work on contingency — we only recover a fee if you recover benefits. If your case does not result in a recovery, you owe us nothing. Cost is never a barrier to getting representation at Garbow Law Office.

  • What if I already made a mistake in my claim — said the wrong thing, missed a deadline, or filed something incorrectly?

    Call us before you assume the damage is done. Procedural mistakes don't automatically end a claim, and many situations that workers believe are fatal to their case are recoverable. The only way to know is to have an attorney review what actually happened. That review is free.