WSIB Claims in Ontario: What to Do When Your Claim Is Denied

Every year, thousands of Ontario workers have their WSIB claims denied, reduced, or cut off prematurely. If that's happened to you, you're not without options. Ontario law gives injured workers the right to challenge WSIB decisions through a formal appeal process — and you don't have to navigate it alone.

Understanding How WSIB Works

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) administers Ontario's workplace injury and illness compensation system. When you're injured on the job or develop a work-related illness, you may be entitled to benefits including loss-of-earnings payments, medical treatment coverage, and rehabilitation services. Employers pay into the system, and in exchange, workers give up the right to sue their employer in most circumstances.

Unfortunately, WSIB claims are frequently denied or under-valued — sometimes due to missing medical documentation, miscommunication with the employer, or simply how the claim was initially filed. A denial is not final.

Reasons WSIB Claims Get Denied

Common reasons for denial include: the injury was deemed not to have occurred at work or was attributed to a pre-existing condition, medical documentation was insufficient or delayed, the employer disputed the claim, the worker did not report the injury within the required timeframe, or the claim was for a chronic condition or occupational disease that is harder to link directly to the workplace.

Each of these situations has a potential path forward. The key is acting quickly — appeal deadlines under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act are strict.

The WSIB Appeals Process in Ontario

If your WSIB decision is unfavourable, the first step is requesting an Objection Review within 30 days of the decision. WSIB will conduct an internal review. If the objection is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal (WSIAT) — an independent body that hears appeals from WSIB decisions. WSIAT hearings are more formal and benefit greatly from representation by someone who knows the process.

How a Paralegal Can Help With Your WSIB Appeal

Licensed paralegals are authorized to represent workers and employers at WSIAT hearings. A paralegal can: review your WSIB file and identify grounds for appeal, gather and organize medical evidence, communicate with your doctors and employer on your behalf, prepare written submissions, and represent you at the WSIAT hearing.

The appeals process involves legal argument, rules of evidence, and familiarity with WSIAT practice directives. Having an experienced representative significantly improves your chances of a successful outcome.

Get Help with Your WSIB Claim in Toronto & the GTA

Sheybani Legal represents injured workers at WSIB objection reviews and WSIAT appeals across Toronto, Aurora, Newmarket, and the GTA. If your claim has been denied or cut off, call 647-326-9651 for a free consultation. We'll review your situation, explain your options, and tell you honestly whether you have grounds to appeal.