If you have been injured in an accident and seek personal injury compensation, you may be up against several roadblocks. One of the most common is a denial of your claim. If this happens, you may wonder what you can do to appeal the decision.
Luckily, you can take a few steps to improve your chances of success. Read on to learn how to appeal a denial of personal injury compensation in California.
Who Can Appeal a Denial of Personal Injury Compensation in California?
In California, if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover damages. However, sometimes these claims are denied by the insurance company. If this happens to you, don’t despair – you may still have options.
You can appeal the denial of your personal injury claim, but knowing who can do this and what the process entails is essential. Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know about appealing a denial of personal injury compensation in California.
Only the claimant (the person who filed the personal injury claim) can appeal the denial.
What is the Process for Appealing a Denial of Personal Injury Compensation in California?
Appealing a denial of personal injury compensation in California can be complex and time-consuming. If you have been denied compensation for your injuries, you may be able to file an appeal with the Appeals Board.
Some specific deadlines and requirements must get met to file an appeal, so it is essential to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and ensure that your rights are protected.
The steps of appeal are as follows:
Step One: Determine if You Have a Basis for an Appeal
The first step in appealing a denial of personal injury in California is determining whether you have a basis for an appeal. If the insurance company has denied your claim, they will have provided you with a written denial notice. This notice will list the reasons for the denial.
If you believe that the insurance company has made a mistake in their decision, you may have grounds for an appeal.
Step Two: Understand the appeals process
The appeals process is a bit different than the initial claim process, so it’s essential to be familiar with it before you start.
The appeals process begins with the insurance company. If unsatisfied with the insurance company’s decision, you can appeal to the insurer. The insurer will then review your case and make a decision. If you’re still unsatisfied with the decision, you can appeal to the insurer’s internal appeals process.
After the internal appeals process, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance if you’re not satisfied with the insurer’s decision. The Department of Insurance will review your case and make a decision. You can appeal to the court if you’re still unsatisfied with the decision.
Step Three: Obtain the proper documentation
The third step in appealing a denial of personal injury in California is to obtain the proper documentation. This includes any medical records, police reports, and witness statements that can support your case. Once you have all the necessary documentation, you will need to file a written request for an appeal with the insurance company.
Step Four: File your appeal within the required timeframe
In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is two years from the date of the injury. This means you have two years to file a claim with the court. However, if you are denied benefits by your insurance company, you have only 60 days to file an appeal.
It is important to note that you must file your appeal within the required timeframe, or you will lose your right to appeal. Once you have filed your appeal, the insurance company will have 30 days to respond. If they do not respond within that time, your appeal will be automatically approved, and you will be granted benefits.
Step Five: Awaiting the Results of Your Appeal
After you have submitted your appeal, it will be up to the insurance company to decide whether or not to approve your claim. This can take some time, so you must be patient while you await their decision.
Step Six: If the Decision is Not in Your Favor, Seek Legal Counsel
If the insurance company denies your appeal, you may still have other options. You can contact an attorney to discuss your case and decide if it is worth taking legal action. You can also file a complaint with the California Department of Insurance.
No matter what you decide to do, it is essential to remember that you have options after a denial. Do not give up, and do not accept rejection without first exploring all of your options.
To Conclude
If your personal injury compensation claim has been denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeals process can be complex, but our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you navigate it. Contact (714-586-8298) or visit us at Garcia and Phan Personal Injury Lawyers to get started on appealing your denied claim.
