Information About Resolving Disputes
Disagreements between parties are inevitable in any workers' compensation system. The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has developed methods by which two or more parties can resolve their disputes within the workers' compensation system in Texas.
Informal dispute resolution is attempted by talking to the parties and encouraging them to talk to each other. If the parties are not successful in achieving resolution, DWC may schedule a benefit review conference (BRC) which is very much like a mediation. After the BRC, it may be necessary for DWC to schedule a contested case hearing (CCH) which is much more formal. And it might be necessary to elevate a dispute to DWC's appeals panel or even into the Texas courts system.