If you’ve just lost your job and thought you would qualify for severance or unemployment insurance benefits, take a step back to understand your options better.
Being denied for unemployment isn’t easy, and neither is navigating the appeals process with the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). Consider hiring an employment attorney who specializes in employment law to represent you throughout the process.
Do I Need a Lawyer for an Unemployment Appeal?
Hiring a law firm that specializes in severance and unemployment compensation isn’t always necessary. Still, it’s easier to have someone experienced available to offer legal advice and help to navigate the appeals process.
The state of Indiana requires that appeals be filed within 10 days from the date that the Determination of Eligibility was sent. Employees requesting to appeal the decision must know how to act fast to meet this deadline.
The DWD office and appeals process can be demanding, and employment lawyers better understand the nuances of the law and the process. They can also help to determine if you have good cause, add credibility to your claims, and support you during your appeals hearing in front of the Administrative Law Judge and the Review Board.
What Does an Unemployment Lawyer Do?
When you recruit legal help for your unemployment appeal, you can expect the employment attorneys to:
- Understand the terms of your termination to confirm eligibility requirements for unemployment benefits
- Navigate the court of appeals process specifically based on the local court system in Indianapolis
- Provide written documentation on your behalf
- Meet the tight deadlines for appeals and trial confirmations
- Represent you in unemployment hearings and superior court proceedings
What Should I Say on My Unemployment Appeal?
When you prepare your unemployment claims appeal for the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), make sure you:
- Clarify the terms of your termination and why you believe you are still eligible for unemployment
- Outline your previous earnings accompanied by federal and state tax records to validate how much you believe you are expected to receive from unemployment
- Specify what you expect to happen with your appeal
Also, provide an update on the required certification questions:
- Have you been sick or injured, or is there any other reason you cannot work?
- Have you been looking for a job?
- Did you earn any money?
Contact HKM Today
HKM Employment Attorneys would be happy to help you navigate the process of collecting unemployment if you’ve just lost your job. They will help you determine if legal cases are work pursuing, and can help you appeal your former employers’ claims of termination. Call our team in Indianapolis to review your unemployment appeal and learn more about your rights as an employee in Indiana.
Our Indianapolis law office is experienced with navigating the unemployment process with the DWD office and Appeals Department. And our employment lawyers have expert knowledge of both local and federal laws governing Indiana and Marion County workplaces. These include but are not limited to:
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Indiana Civil Rights Law
HKM Employment Attorneys has offices across the U.S. and provides expert assistance in many practice areas. Our lawyers offer a free consultation and are ready to assist with any of your employment law questions or unemployment appeals.
Call 317-779-3537 schedule a call, or fill out this form and we will get back to you ASAP.