A denial is not final; you have the right to appeal. In North Carolina, you can request a hearing before an NCIC deputy commissioner by filing a Form 33 (Request that Claim be Assigned for Hearing). This hearing is essentially a trial before the commission where both sides present evidence. If the deputy commissioner’s ruling is unfavorable, you can appeal further to the Full Commission, and from there to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. Don’t delay requesting a hearing after a denial. An experienced NC workers’ comp attorney can review the denial, gather evidence, and represent you effectively. Proper legal representation often successfully reverses denied claims.