What are the deadlines for each stage of the administrative dispute resolution process?

Here are the key deadlines for the different stages of the administrative dispute resolution process in the Texas workers' compensation system:

1. Benefit Review Conference (BRC):

   • You must request a BRC within one year of the date the insurance carrier denied the claim or disputed the benefits.

2. Contested Case Hearing (CCH):

   • You must request a CCH within 20 days of receiving the Benefit Review Conference report.

3. Appeals Panel:

   • If you or the insurance carrier wants to appeal the Contested Case Hearing decision, the appeal must be filed within 15 days of receiving the hearing officer's decision.

4. Judicial Review:

   • If you or the insurance carrier wants to appeal the Appeals Panel decision, the lawsuit for judicial review must be filed within 40 days of receiving the Appeals Panel's final decision.

It's important to note that these deadlines are strictly enforced, and missing a deadline can result in the loss of your right to dispute the issue.

Additionally, there are other important deadlines within the workers' compensation claims process, such as:

• Reporting the injury to your employer (within 30 days of the incident)

• Filing the initial workers' compensation claim (within one year of the date of injury)

• Responding to requests for information from the insurance carrier (typically within 15 days)

Consulting with an experienced Texas workers' compensation attorney can help ensure you meet all the necessary deadlines and preserve your rights throughout the dispute resolution process. They can also advise you on the best strategies for presenting your case and increasing your chances of a favorable outcome.