Your Workers' Comp Claim Was Denied. That Is Not the End.
A denial letter from an insurance company is not a legal ruling — and it is not the last word. We represent South Jersey workers at NJ Division of Workers' Compensation hearings and fight to recover the benefits that were wrongfully withheld.
Start the Process to Get Legal Help Today
The Sooner You Act, The Better.
Insurance companies deny workers' compensation claims every day in New Jersey. They count on workers not knowing their options. At Stopper Lopez, we have spent decades fighting these denials — and we know exactly where they fall apart.
If your workers' comp claim was denied, you have real legal options. The question is how quickly you move on them.
New Jersey's statute of limitations on workers' compensation claims is two years. Waiting costs you leverage. Call us now.
Why Workers' Comp Claims Get Denied in New Jersey
Insurers and employers deny claims for predictable reasons. Most of them can be challenged.
Pre-Existing Condition
NJ law does allow for delayed reporting in cases involving occupational disease, gradual-onset conditions, and certain latency periods. If your employer claims you waited too long, that denial may not hold up under the statute. A consultation will tell you whether it does.
Untimely Reporting
Just because your employer gave you a 1099 does not mean they are off the hook. New Jersey applies the ABC test to determine whether a worker is truly an independent contractor. If you worked like an employee — set hours, company tools, direct supervision — the law may classify you as one, regardless of what your paperwork says.
Independent Contractor Misclassification
Insurers routinely argue that an injury happened outside the scope of employment. We review the facts of the incident, the work conditions, and the medical record to build the case that the injury is exactly what you say it is.
Injury Claimed as Non-Work-Related
NJ law does allow for delayed reporting in cases involving occupational disease, gradual-onset conditions, and certain latency periods. If your employer claims you waited too long, that denial may not hold up under the statute. A consultation will tell you whether it does.
How We Fight a Denied Workers' Comp Claim in New Jersey
New Jersey's Division of Workers' Compensation operates on a two-track hearing system. Understanding both tracks is the difference between knowing your options and walking away from benefits you are owed.
1. The Informal Hearing
An informal hearing is a conference before a workers' comp judge. The outcome is a recommendation — not a binding decision. It is often the first step in resolving a disputed claim and an opportunity to reach a resolution before formal proceedings begin.
2. The Formal Hearing
If the claim is not resolved informally, it proceeds to a formal hearing. A judge hears evidence, reviews medical testimony, and issues a binding legal decision. This is where having experienced representation matters most — you will be across the table from the insurance company's attorneys.
We have been in that hearing room before. We will be there for you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
My workers' comp was denied — what do I do in New Jersey?
Start by requesting a free consultation with a workers' compensation attorney before you respond to the insurer or sign anything. A denial can be challenged through the NJ Division of Workers' Compensation hearing process, but the steps you take immediately after a denial affect your ability to fight it. New Jersey's statute of limitations is two years from the date of injury or last payment of compensation.
Can I appeal a denied workers' comp claim in NJ?
Yes. You can file a claim petition with the NJ Division of Workers' Compensation, which initiates the formal dispute process. The case may be resolved at an informal hearing or proceed to a formal hearing before a judge. An attorney who handles workers' comp appeals regularly will know which track gives your case the best chance.
What if my employer says I'm an independent contractor?
New Jersey applies the ABC test to determine whether a worker is legally classified as an independent contractor. Many workers who are given 1099s still qualify as employees under this test — and may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. We review the actual working arrangement, not just the paperwork.
What if my employer says I waited too long to report my injury?
Delayed reporting is a common denial reason, but it is not always a valid one. NJ law provides exceptions for occupational diseases, gradually developing conditions, and injuries with delayed symptoms. Whether the denial holds up depends on the specific facts of your case — which is exactly what a free consultation is for.
How much does it cost to fight a denied workers' comp claim?
Nothing upfront. We handle workers' compensation cases on a contingency fee basis — you pay no legal fees unless we recover benefits for you. Your initial consultation is also free.
Your Denial Letter Is Not the Final Answer
If you are a worker in Cherry Hill, Camden, Pennsauken, Bellmawr, or anywhere in South Jersey and your workers' comp claim has been denied, Stopper Lopez is ready to review your case. We know these courts, we know the NJ Division of Workers' Compensation, and we know how to fight back.
The two-year clock is running. Do not wait.
