What is a BRC, CCH, and Request for Review?
• Benefit Review Conference (BRC) A BRC is an informal mediation meant to try to resolve disputes between injured workers and insurance companies. It is an adversarial process where by the insurance company normally hires an attorney to represent them in an effort to win, and therefore all injured workers should consider hiring an attorney as well. • Contested Case Hearing (CCH) A CCH is a more formal process and is considered an Administrative Trial. Any disputes between insurance companies and injured workers are sent to a CCH for adjudication. A judge, called a Hearing Officer hears evidence and testimony from the insurance company and the injured worker and issues a written decision, which is then binding on the parties. Insurance companies almost always have attorneys at this stage and it is highly recommended that you do as well. • Request for Review A Request for Review is a written appeal of a decision from a CCH that is sent to the Appeals Panel. The Appeals Panel consists of
