The Office of Judges decides appeals from claims management orders of the private insurance carrier or self-insured employer. The carrier or self-insured employer makes initial rulings on injured workers’ entitlement to benefits under the law. When an order is issued, the injured worker (claimant) and/or the worker’s employer may file a protest to that ruling. Once a protest is filed, the Office of Judges receives any evidence offered by the parties involved in the claim. After reviewing the evidence, a written decision is issued explaining whether benefits should be awarded or denied. Any party dissatisfied with the decision may appeal to the Workers’ Compensation Board of Review, and from there to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.