What to look for
- Find the sender, claim number, date and subject. Check that it concerns your claim.
- Does it discuss the status of a claim, a payment, an appointment or medical treatment? Write down the part you do not understand.
- Look for instructions, contact details and dates. Include attachments in your review.
What the decision covers
A letter about whether a claim is accepted is different from a notice about a particular treatment request or payment. Do not assume one letter answers every question about your case. The state’s employee FAQs cover several different types of claim questions and disputes.
Summarizing the letter
Write down what you understand from the letter: “This letter is from ___. It says ___. It asks me to ___. The date it mentions is ___. My question is ___.” Ask the sender or a qualified adviser about anything you cannot answer.
Keep the date printed on the letter, the date you received it and any action date separate. This guide cannot calculate the deadline for responding to a particular notice. Ask promptly if a date or instruction is unclear.
Questions to ask
- What decision does this notice communicate?
- Is anything expected from me, and by when?
- Who can explain the part I do not understand?
- Where are the instructions for disagreeing with the decision?
- Is there another document I need to read with this one?
If your claim was denied
Keep the notice and its attachments and seek help understanding your options. Ask what options and deadlines apply to the notice you received. Start with the official DWC help resources or a qualified attorney.