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Difference between revisions of "Appealing a Workers' Compensation Decision"
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Appealing a Workers' Compensation Decision (view source)
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If you disagree with a decision on a workers’ compensation claim, you can request a '''review''' of the decision. If you’re still not satisfied, you can '''appeal''' to a tribunal. | If you disagree with a decision on a workers’ compensation claim, you can request a '''review''' of the decision. If you’re still not satisfied, you can '''appeal''' to a tribunal. | ||
== | ==What you should know== | ||
===Challenging a decision of Work Safe BC=== | ===Challenging a decision of Work Safe BC=== | ||
'''Workers’ compensation''' is a BC government program | '''Workers’ compensation''' is a BC government program [https://www.worksafebc.com/en run by Work Safe BC]. It pays benefits to workers if they suffer a workplace injury or disease, and promotes health and safety in the workplace. ([[Workers Compensation (Script 285)|We explain the workers’ compensation program]].) | ||
If you disagree with a decision Work Safe BC makes on claims, assessments, or health and safety matters, you can request a '''review''' of the decision. If you’re still not satisfied, you can appeal to a tribunal. We explain the process shortly. | If you disagree with a decision Work Safe BC makes on claims, assessments, or health and safety matters, you can request a '''review''' of the decision. If you’re still not satisfied, you can appeal to a tribunal. We explain the process shortly. | ||
===You can get help or advice=== | ===You can get help or advice=== | ||
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If you are a union member, discuss your case with the union. They may have a representative who can help you, or they may hire a lawyer for you in a serious case. You may want to hire your own lawyer anyway. Make sure the lawyer has experience in workers’ compensation. | If you are a union member, discuss your case with the union. They may have a representative who can help you, or they may hire a lawyer for you in a serious case. You may want to hire your own lawyer anyway. Make sure the lawyer has experience in workers’ compensation. | ||
If you don’t get help from a union or a lawyer, you should contact the '''Workers’ Advisers Office''' of the BC Ministry of Labour. Workers’ advisers are separate from Work Safe BC and there’s no charge for their services. They help workers apply for reviews and appeals, and they have detailed information on their website. | If you don’t get help from a union or a lawyer, you should contact the '''Workers’ Advisers Office''' of the BC Ministry of Labour. Workers’ advisers are separate from Work Safe BC and there’s no charge for their services. They help workers apply for reviews and appeals, and they have detailed information on their website. [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/personal-injury-and-workplace-safety Visit their website] or call 604-713-0360 in Vancouver or 1-800-663-4261 elsewhere in BC. | ||
([https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employers/employers-advisers-office Employers can contact the Employers’ Advisers Office]. They provide independent advice, assistance, and representation to employers concerning workers’ compensation issues. There is no charge for their services.) | |||
==The steps in the process== | ==The steps in the process== | ||
===Step 1. Ask for a review=== | ===Step 1. Ask for a review=== | ||
The first step in challenging a Work Safe BC decision is to ask for a '''review''' of the decision. | The first step in challenging a Work Safe BC decision is to ask for a '''review''' of the decision. [https://www.worksafebc.com/en/review-appeal The Work Safe BC website explains how to ask for a review]. The phone numbers for the review division are 604-214-5411 in the Lower Mainland and 1-888-922-8804 elsewhere in BC. | ||
In a few scenarios, you can’t ask for a review but need to appeal directly to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. For example, if you are challenging a decision to reopen (or not reopen) a matter, or challenging a decision on a discriminatory action complaint (where an employer punished you for raising safety concerns at work). Appeals are explained shortly. | In a few scenarios, you can’t ask for a review but need to appeal directly to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. For example, if you are challenging a decision to reopen (or not reopen) a matter, or challenging a decision on a discriminatory action complaint (where an employer punished you for raising safety concerns at work). Appeals are explained shortly. | ||
Because Work Safe BC routinely issues some decisions orally, the review division accepts review requests from oral decisions. | Because Work Safe BC routinely issues some decisions orally, the review division accepts review requests from oral decisions. | ||
====Time limit to ask for a review==== | ====Time limit to ask for a review==== | ||
A worker must ask for a review within '''90 days''' of the date of Work Safe BC’s decision letter or, in some cases, within 90 days of the date that Work Safe BC told the worker its decision orally or stopped paying them. | A worker must ask for a review within '''90 days''' of the date of Work Safe BC’s decision letter or, in some cases, within 90 days of the date that Work Safe BC told the worker its decision orally or stopped paying them. | ||
An employer who wants to ask for a review of a decision or an order issued by Work Safe BC on an occupational health and safety matter, has '''45 days''' to ask for a review. | An employer who wants to ask for a review of a decision or an order issued by Work Safe BC on an occupational health and safety matter, has '''45 days''' to ask for a review. | ||
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{| class="wikitable" | {| class="wikitable" | ||
|align="left"|'''Tip''' | |align="left"|'''Tip''' | ||
While your review is being considered, if you feel that Work Safe BC has treated you unfairly, you can also complain to Work Safe BC’s Fair Practices Office and | While your review is being considered, if you feel that Work Safe BC has treated you unfairly, you can also complain to Work Safe BC’s Fair Practices Office and [https://bcombudsperson.ca/ complain to the Ombudsperson of BC] (who can be reached at 1-800-567-3247). | ||
|} | |} | ||
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After you request a review, you will receive a letter setting a time to make '''written submissions'''. Work Safe BC’s review division does not normally hold oral hearings. | After you request a review, you will receive a letter setting a time to make '''written submissions'''. Work Safe BC’s review division does not normally hold oral hearings. | ||
To prepare your case, carefully review your Work Safe BC file. You have the right to see it and you should automatically get it when you ask for a review. | To prepare your case, carefully review your Work Safe BC file. You have the right to see it and you should automatically get it when you ask for a review. | ||
====What you need to show==== | ====What you need to show==== | ||
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===Step 3. Appeal the review decision=== | ===Step 3. Appeal the review decision=== | ||
The review decision is usually made within 150 days. If you disagree with the review decision, you can usually '''appeal''' to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. You cannot appeal review decisions on some issues, such as vocational rehabilitation benefits, certain types of disability awards, and whether benefits are paid as a lump sum. | The review decision is usually made within 150 days. If you disagree with the review decision, you can usually '''appeal''' to the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal. You cannot appeal review decisions on some issues, such as vocational rehabilitation benefits, certain types of disability awards, and whether benefits are paid as a lump sum. | ||
====Time limit to appeal==== | ====Time limit to appeal==== | ||
If you decide to appeal, you must do so within '''30 days''' of the decision by the review division. (For cases that go directly to the tribunal, the time limit is 90 days.) | If you decide to appeal, you must do so within '''30 days''' of the decision by the review division. (For cases that go directly to the tribunal, the time limit is 90 days.) | ||
[http://www.wcat.bc.ca/research/wcat_publications/appeal_guides/index.html The tribunal’s website features information guides], explaining how to appeal and how to prepare for an appeal hearing. | |||
You can appeal by phone or letter, or you can use the '''notice of appeal''' form on the tribunal’s website. If you appeal by phone, you must follow it up with the form within 21 days. The tribunal’s phone numbers are 604-664-7800 in the Lower Mainland and toll-free 1-800-663-2782 elsewhere in BC. | You can appeal by phone or letter, or you can use the '''notice of appeal''' form on the tribunal’s website. If you appeal by phone, you must follow it up with the form within 21 days. The tribunal’s phone numbers are 604-664-7800 in the Lower Mainland and toll-free 1-800-663-2782 elsewhere in BC. | ||
====The tribunal will follow up with you==== | ====The tribunal will follow up with you==== | ||
The tribunal will send you a letter to confirm it received your appeal and give you an appeal number. You should always include this appeal number, and your Work Safe BC file number, in any material you submit. The tribunal will ask you to make your submissions in writing or tell you the date for your oral hearing. Normally, the tribunal decides a case within 180 days of when it receives your claim file from Work Safe BC. | The tribunal will send you a letter to confirm it received your appeal and give you an appeal number. You should always include this appeal number, and your Work Safe BC file number, in any material you submit. The tribunal will ask you to make your submissions in writing or tell you the date for your oral hearing. Normally, the tribunal decides a case within 180 days of when it receives your claim file from Work Safe BC. | ||
The tribunal must apply the law and the policies of Work Safe BC that apply to your appeal. You should find out what policies apply to your case. | The tribunal must apply the law and the policies of Work Safe BC that apply to your appeal. You should find out what policies apply to your case. [http://www.wcat.bc.ca/search/decision_search.aspx You can see previous tribunal decisions on its website]. | ||
==Common questions== | ==Common questions== | ||
===How can I get a copy of my claims file?=== | ===How can I get a copy of my claims file?=== | ||
Through the Work Safe BC website, workers can view all the information associated with their claim. You will need your claim number and your personal access number. You can also request a copy of your claim file from Work Safe BC. You can send a written '''request for disclosure''' form, | Through the Work Safe BC website, workers can view all the information associated with their claim. You will need your claim number and your personal access number. You can also request a copy of your claim file from Work Safe BC. You can send a written '''request for disclosure''' form, [https://www.worksafebc.com/en/claims/manage-claim/request-copy-your-claim-file available from the Work Safe BC website], to: | ||
:Disclosure Department | :Disclosure Department | ||
:Work Safe BC | :Work Safe BC | ||
:PO Box 4700 Stn Terminal | :PO Box 4700 Stn Terminal | ||
:Vancouver BC V6B 1J1 | :Vancouver BC V6B 1J1 | ||
:Fax: 604-233-9777 | :Fax: 604-233-9777 | ||
All your personal information is usually in your claim file, but sometimes other Work Safe BC records also have personal information. To see these records, send a written request to: | All your personal information is usually in your claim file, but sometimes other Work Safe BC records also have personal information. To see these records, send a written request to: | ||
:Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office | :Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Office | ||
:Work Safe BC | :Work Safe BC | ||
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:Fax: 604-279-7401 | :Fax: 604-279-7401 | ||
== | ==Who can help== | ||
===With more information=== | ===With more information=== | ||
The '''Work Safe BC''' website includes extensive information on workers’ compensation benefits, how to apply for benefits, and the process to review or appeal a decision. | The '''Work Safe BC''' website includes extensive information on workers’ compensation benefits, how to apply for benefits, and the process to review or appeal a decision. | ||
* Call 604-231-8888 | |||
* Call 1-888-967-5377 | |||
* [https://www.worksafebc.com/ Visit website] | |||
The '''Workers’ Advisers Office''' is a government office that helps workers with claims for workers’ compensation benefits. They are separate from Work Safe BC and there’s no charge for their services. | The '''Workers’ Advisers Office''' is a government office that helps workers with claims for workers’ compensation benefits. They are separate from Work Safe BC and there’s no charge for their services. | ||
* Call 1-800-663-4261 | |||
* Visit website | |||
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{{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | {{Dial-A-Law Copyright}} | ||
