Workers’ Compensation Claim Appeals Attorney in Orlando, Florida
YOU ARE ENTITLED TO A SECOND CHANCE
A workers’ compensation claim denial doesn’t mean your case is closed. If yours has been denied due to late reporting, insufficient evidence, or disputes about the cause of your injury, we can help. A dedicated Orlando appeals lawyer will investigate why your claim was denied and build a strong case to give you a second chance. Van Dingenen Law Firm has successfully helped many workers in Central Florida win their appeals and get the workers’ compensation they deserved.
Why Do You Need an Appeals Lawyer in Orlando?
You should hire a workers' compensation appeals lawyer in Orlando when the insurance company refuses to honor your claim or cuts off your benefits without a valid reason, leaving you without income or medical support.
An Orlando workers’ compensation claim appeals attorney at Van Dingenen Law steps in to challenge the denial, gather the medical and wage proof the judge needs to see, and present a clear legal argument that compels the carrier to comply with Florida workers' compensation law. Our focused workers' comp practice gives us the experience to identify where the insurer went wrong and build an appeal that restores the benefits you should have received from the start.
We're dedicated to protecting injured workers. Schedule a free case evaluation now!
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Why Hire an Orlando Workers’ Compensation Claim Appeals Lawyer at Van Dingenen Law?
When your compensation benefits are denied, delayed, or wrongfully reduced, the appeals process becomes the only path to securing the support you need to recover. Florida’s workers' comp rules are strict, and a single missing document, incorrect form, or misinterpreted medical record can cost you the benefits you legally deserve. That is why having an Orlando appeals lawyer who works exclusively in workers' compensation is essential.
At Van Dingenen Law, our practice is built around representing injured workers in Central Florida, and appeals are a major part of our work. This is what sets our law firm apart:
- Full commitment to workers' compensation law rather than a mixed practice, giving your appeal 100 percent focused knowledge.
- More than sixty years of combined experience handling only Florida workers' compensation cases, which allows us a deep understanding of how judges evaluate denied claims, medical disputes, wage issues, and benefit terminations.
- A long record of restoring denied benefits, correcting improper terminations, and overturning insurer decisions.
- Direct attorney involvement throughout the appeal, with personal guidance at every stage of the process.
- We build appeals with detailed evidence, accurate legal arguments, and a clear strategy tailored to your situation.
- Convenience and accessibility, including meeting you at home or in the hospital when you cannot travel.
- Established reputation since 2003 for standing up to insurers and presenting strong cases before Florida Judges of Compensation Claims.
Van Dingenen Law fights for injured workers whose benefits were unfairly denied or cut off. If you are facing an appeal, our Orlando team is prepared to challenge the insurer’s decision, present the evidence needed to win, and pursue the full benefits you are entitled to under Florida law.
How Can Our Appeals Attorneys in Orlando Help You?
We understand how Florida judges evaluate denied claims, disputed medical opinions, and incorrect benefit calculations. We take over the appeals process from the moment you receive a denial, identify exactly why the carrier rejected your claim, and build a case that addresses those issues directly. Our workers’ compensation appeal lawyers will give your appeal the attention it needs so you have the best chance of getting your benefits reinstated.
how we support you:
Reviewing your denial and developing a strategy: We examine the insurer’s denial rationale, identify errors in the claim review process, and outline a targeted plan that meets Florida appeal requirements.
Collecting the necessary evidence for your appeal: Our team gathers updated medical records, wage documents, expert opinions, and witness statements to support every part of your case.
Representing you at hearings and negotiations: We present your appeal before the Judge of Compensation Claims, cross-examine witnesses, and negotiate directly with the carrier to correct mistakes.
Van Dingenen Law is dedicated to rebuilding your case, correcting the insurer’s mistakes, and pushing for the full benefits you should never have lost. If your claim was denied or your checks stopped, we are ready to step in and guide you through the appeals process with the experience your situation demands.
Hear From Our Satisfied Clients
I had a great experience with this law firm! Attorney Blaze Schwartz was extremely helpful and also really good at communicating. The rest of the staff is also super friendly and helped get me through my case and in the end attorney Van Dingenen was able to get the insurance company to pay more money than they wanted to. I'm really happy that I chose this firm.
David R.
I would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Van Dingenen, Blaze, and all of his staff. Everyone was very welcoming and treated me as a person and not just another number. " would like to give a big thank you to Mr. Van Dingenen, Blaze, and all of his staff. Everyone was very welcoming and treated me as a person and not just another number. If anyone needs a lawyer to represent them, this who you should call. Bigger firms just don't do it. Thank you.
Teresa H.
From start to finish I was very pleased with my treatment at this firm. I was never left wondering about what was going on. They responded to every question in a timely manner. Nadia was awesome! Mr. Van Dingenen made me feel very comfortable and he has a great sense of humor. I would recommend them and I would use them again if needed. Happy customer.
Jayne W.
I recommend this firm to anyone who wants a fair win. The Attorneys and team are always friendly, prompt, and efficient. / appreciated their time and efforts in explaining every step of the case to me and their advice along with the pros and cons of any decision I make. Thank you for fighting for me and getting me a settlement where my family and I can begin to start over again after my injuries...
Rhonda S.
When you have an unfortunate incident such as a worker's comp issue, I highly recommend Van Dingenen to assist you in a resolution. They were professional, thorough, and kept me informed throughout the process. My claim was settled promptly and to my complete satisfaction.
Lynne K.
I went YEARS trying to get Workers Comp benefits that actually helped me, with the company I worked for. Van Dingenen Law took me through a short, easy and painless process that finally got me the help that I needed! Both Don and Blaze were professional, courteous and kind and their office staff outstanding. / HIGHLY recommend them for any Workers Comp you have. In my eyes they are miracle workers. Thank You SOOOO much!!!
Tiphany M.
Common Reasons Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Denied in Orlando
A denial often has nothing to do with whether you are truly injured. Most denied claims result from technicalities, missing records, or disputes created by the employer or insurance company. Understanding why denials happen can help you see why an appeal is often necessary and why having an experienced Orlando workers' comp appeals attorney can make the difference in getting your benefits approved. There are several reasons why your workers' compensation claim might be denied. The most common include:
01
Missed Deadlines
If you do not report your workplace injury within Florida’s 30-day limit, the insurer can deny your claim even when the injury is legitimate. An appeals attorney can help challenge late reporting issues and show the judge why your case should still be covered.
02
Insufficient Evidence
Denials often happen when medical records do not clearly link your injury to your job. A workers’ compensation appeals lawyer can collect updated reports and expert opinions to strengthen the connection and support your appeal.
03
Employer Disputes
Your employer may claim the injury did not occur at work or was misreported. Your claim appeals attorney can counter these disputes with witness statements, incident reports, and medical documentation.
04
Failure to Follow Treatment
Sometimes, employers or their insurance providers will dispute that the injury happened at work, which can result in a denied claim.
What Evidence Do You Need to Win a Workers’ Comp Appeal in Orlando?
A strong appeal depends on clear, organized evidence that proves your injury and entitlement to benefits. This includes:
- updated medical records that directly link your condition to your job,
- accurate wage documentation to confirm your Average Weekly Wage,
- doctor statements detailing your work restrictions,
- witness accounts or incident reports that support how the injury occurred.
A workers’ compensation claim appeals lawyer in Orlando can gather, organize, and present this evidence in the way judges expect to see it.
What Is the Workers’ Comp Appeals Process in Florida?
Appealing a denied claim follows a structured process governed by strict rules from the OJCC and the First District Court of Appeal. The process involves several steps, each with strict rules and deadlines. Here is a clear overview of how workers’ compensation claim appeals in Orlando typically move forward and where an attorney can make the biggest impact.
Step 1: File a Petition for Benefits (PFB)
Your appeal begins with a Petition for Benefits submitted to the OJCC, which must clearly state the denied benefits, the legal basis for your claim, and the supporting facts.
Step 2: Mandatory Mediation
After filing the petition, the OJCC schedules mediation, where both sides must attempt to resolve the dispute. This step is required in nearly all cases unless waived for specific reasons.
Step 3: Pretrial and Evidence Preparation
If mediation fails, the judge issues a pretrial order. During this phase, both sides exchange medical records, wage documents, expert reports, and witness lists under Florida’s procedural rules.
Step 4: Final Hearing Before the JCC
You appear before the Judge of Compensation Claims to present testimony, medical evidence, and legal arguments. The insurer does the same, and the judge later issues a written decision.
Step 5: Appeal to the First District Court of Appeal (If Necessary)
If the JCC rules against you, you may appeal to the First DCA, which reviews the case based on the record from the lower level. This stage has very strict deadlines and formal filing requirements.
Van Dingenen Law guides injured workers through each step, prepares the evidence judges rely on, and ensures every deadline and procedural rule is fully met so your appeal has the highest chance of success.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Appeals
Florida has strict deadlines that can end your case before it even begins. You have
- two years from the date of injury to file an initial workers' comp claim
- and one year from the last payment or authorized medical treatment to continue pursuing benefits.
Failing to report your injury to your employer within
30 days can also be used as a defense against your claim. Missing any of these timelines can prevent you from filing or appealing your case, even when your injury is real and your benefits should have been approved.
Discuss Your Case with an Orlando Workers’ Compensation Claim Appeals Lawyer Now!
Our team is ready to review your denial, explain your options, and take immediate action to protect your benefits. If you’re facing a dispute, delay, or unexpected termination of checks, don’t wait to get the help you need. Schedule a free case evaluation with an Orlando workers’ compensation claim appeals lawyer now by filling out the form below or calling our office today.
We're dedicated to protecting injured workers. Schedule a free case evaluation now!
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your workers' comp claim was denied in Orlando, you probably have questions. These FAQs address the issues injured workers most often seek when trying to understand their rights and what happens next in the Florida workers’ compensation appeals process.
What happens if my Orlando workers’ compensation appeal fails?
Even if the judge denies your appeal, you may still have options. Some claims can be reopened if new medical evidence becomes available, and changes in your condition may qualify you for different benefits or vocational assistance. Van Dingenen Law can review the decision, explain your next steps, and determine whether another legal remedy is available based on the details of your case.
Will I have to attend a hearing for my workers’ compensation appeal in Orlando?
Most appeals involve mediation and, if unresolved, a hearing before a Judge of Compensation Claims. Your Orlando appeals attorney will prepare you for questions, gather your medical records, and present the evidence to the judge on your behalf so you are never facing the process alone.
Can my employer retaliate if I appeal my workers' comp denial in Orlando?
Florida law strictly prohibits employers from firing, demoting, or threatening workers for filing or appealing a workers' comp claim. If you believe you are experiencing retaliation, an appeals lawyer in Orlando can help protect your rights and take action if needed.
When is the best time to hire an Orlando workers’ comp appeals attorney?
Some appeals are too complex or risky to handle without legal support. You should contact an attorney if:
- your doctor disagrees with the insurer’s physician,
- your employer disputes how the accident happened,
- your benefits stopped without warning,
- your claim involves preexisting injuries,
- you received a denial letter that you don’t fully understand.
These issues often require a workers’ compensation claim appeals lawyer in Orlando to protect your rights and prevent further benefit losses.
