Who typically handles appeals in workers' compensation cases?

In workers' compensation cases, appeals are typically handled by an Administrative Law Judge. This judge is responsible for overseeing the legal proceedings related to the appeal, which often includes reviewing the initial decision made regarding a claim, evaluating evidence, and ensuring that the legal standards are met.

The role of the Administrative Law Judge is crucial because they have the expertise to interpret complex laws and regulations that govern workers' compensation, thus providing a fair evaluation of the appeal based on the facts of the case. They also have the authority to make binding decisions that can uphold or overturn previous determinations made by the Workers' Compensation Board.

Other roles mentioned, such as the Workers' Compensation Board, primarily focus on the initial processing of claims and decisions rather than handling appeals. Human Resources Specialists generally manage workplace policies and employee relations but do not engage in the legal adjudication process for claims and appeals. Workplace Safety Inspectors have a different function, dealing with compliance and safety regulations rather than adjudication of claims or appeals.

Thus, the selection of the Administrative Law Judge as the entity that handles appeals is accurate because it emphasizes the judicial oversight required in ensuring that claims are rightly assessed in accordance with legal frameworks.