Denied Claims
Your employer or their insurer said no. We dig into why, build your case from the ground up, and fight the denial at every level available.
- Initial denial review
- Evidence and records gathering
- Administrative appeals
Workers Compensation Attorneys
You got hurt.
We fight back.
Iron and Oak represents injured workers - and only injured workers. If your claim was denied, your benefits were cut, or your employer's insurer is stalling, we pick up the fight where you left off.
- No fee unless you win
- Free consultation
- Workers only - never insurers
14+ yrs Fighting for injured workers
$0 Upfront cost to you
Free Case review
1-on-1 Attorney on every case
What we handle
Workers comp is complicated. We are not.
Every case starts with a free review. We tell you straight whether you have a claim, what it is worth, and what we can do about it.
Lost Wages and Benefits
When an injury keeps you off the job, you are owed compensation. We make sure every week you cannot work is accounted for - and that your benefits are not cut short.
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Wage-replacement disputes
Medical Treatment Disputes
Insurers routinely delay or deny the treatment your doctor orders. We push back - so you get the surgery, the therapy, or the specialist you actually need.
- Utilization review challenges
- Independent medical exam disputes
- Specialist referral advocacy
Permanent Disability
A career-ending injury deserves a settlement that reflects your real loss - future earnings, diminished capacity, and lifelong care costs included.
- Permanent total disability
- Scheduled vs. unscheduled loss
- Lifetime medical benefits
Appeals and Hearings
If the initial decision went against you, that is not the end. We represent you at hearings and before the workers compensation board with sharp, documented arguments.
- Board hearings
- Written appeals and briefs
- Reconsideration petitions
Third-Party Claims
When a negligent contractor, equipment maker, or property owner contributed to your injury, there may be a third-party claim on top of workers comp. We pursue both.
- Contractor negligence
- Defective equipment claims
- Premises liability overlap
Our firm
Built for the worker. Built to last.
Iron and Oak was founded by former union-side labor attorneys who got tired of watching injured workers take whatever the insurer offered because they could not afford to fight. We built this firm to change that equation.
We have never represented an insurance company. We have never represented an employer in a workers comp defense. Our only clients are the workers the system was designed to protect - and our only job is to make sure it actually does.
We only represent workers
We have never taken a dime from an insurer or employer. Our only clients are people who got hurt on the job. That alignment shapes every decision we make.
No clock-watching
You get a direct line to your attorney - not a case manager, not a paralegal layer. When you have a question at 7 pm, you get an answer.
No fee unless you win
You owe us nothing unless we recover for you. No retainer, no hourly bill, no costs up front. We take the risk so you do not have to.
We know how insurers think
We have studied the tactics used to minimize or deny claims. We prepare for them before they surface - not after.
Plain language, always
Workers comp law is dense. We translate every step - the filing deadlines, the hearings, the options - into language you can act on.
Our attorneys
The people in your corner
Concept profiles for this illustrative firm. Every case is handled by a named attorney - not handed off to a junior clerk after sign-up.
Raymond G. Decker
Founding Partner
Spent a decade as a union-side labor attorney before founding Iron and Oak. Has handled several hundred contested workers comp claims across a range of industries.
Theresa L. Parekh
Managing Partner
Former vocational rehabilitation counselor turned workers comp attorney. Brings a practical, case-by-case approach to permanent disability valuation and return-to-work disputes.
Jonas A. Steele
Senior Associate
Focuses exclusively on denied claims and insurer appeals. Knows the administrative board process inside out and has a reputation for detailed, documented briefs.
Maria V. Lorenz
Associate Attorney
Handles initial case intake and medical evidence review. Background in occupational health makes her particularly effective in treatment-denial disputes.
Illustrative profiles for a concept design. Not real attorneys or bar members.
Representative outcomes
Cases like yours. Results that matter.
Illustrative case types for this concept design. Past outcomes vary; no result is guaranteed.
Construction
Crush injury, left hand
Full surgery coverage + wage replacement restored after insurer denial
Illustrative outcome for concept design Warehouse / Logistics
Herniated disc, lumbar
Permanent partial disability award negotiated at full board hearing
Illustrative outcome for concept design Municipal Services
Knee - torn meniscus
Denied claim overturned on appeal; MRI and surgical repair approved
Illustrative outcome for concept designThe insurer told me my injury was pre-existing. Iron and Oak got my records, got a second opinion, and got my claim approved inside four months.
I did not know I had a right to appeal. My attorney walked me through the whole process step by step. I never felt in the dark.
They handled everything while I focused on getting better. My weekly checks started again and my surgery got approved. I owe these people.
Composite, illustrative testimonials for a concept brand. Not actual client statements.
Common questions
Before you call
Workers comp law varies by state and situation. These are the questions we hear most. Your case may be different - which is why the review is free.
What does it cost to hire Iron and Oak?
Nothing out of pocket. We work on a contingency fee - we are only paid a percentage of what we recover for you, and only when we win. If there is no recovery, there is no fee. Period.
My claim was already denied. Is it too late?
Probably not - but deadlines matter. Workers comp appeals have strict filing windows. If you received a denial, contact us immediately so we can assess your options before any deadline closes.
Can I still file if the accident was partly my fault?
In most states, workers compensation is a no-fault system. It generally does not matter whether you contributed to the accident - if you were injured on the job, you are likely entitled to benefits. There are exceptions, which is why speaking with an attorney matters.
My employer says I should just use their doctor. Do I have to?
You may have the right to choose your own treating physician, depending on your state and your employer's plan. Employers and insurers often steer workers toward providers who minimize injury severity. We advise clients on their rights before they are locked in.
What if I was hurt by a co-worker or defective equipment?
You may have claims on multiple tracks. Workers comp covers the baseline, but a third-party personal injury claim against a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer can add significantly to your recovery. We evaluate both on every case.
Free case review
Stop waiting. Start fighting.
If you were hurt at work, your claim was denied, or your benefits were cut - tell us what happened. The consultation is free, confidential, and carries no obligation. We will tell you exactly what your options are.
- No cost, no obligation
- Speak directly with an attorney
- Response within one business day
Send us your case details