Insurers (payers) will often accept a claim and promptly begin paying benefits. However, an insurer can dispute a claim for various reasons. It may not agree that the employee was injured, or may not believe the injury occurred while the employer's insurance policy was in effect, or any number of other situations. Board employees who are claims examiners and conciliators will first try to resolve issues. If they can't, the Board will hold hearings in front of a workers' compensation law judge. The judge hears testimony, reviews medical records and wages, then decides on a resolution and the amount of any award.

Injured Workers always have the right to an attorney or licensed representative, who may not ask for or accept a fee. The legal fee is determined by the Board and deducted from the compensation award.