What Happens at a Worker’s Compensation Hearing?

David McCormick

A worker’s compensation hearing is an administrative procedure. It is not held in a courtroom. There is no jury. Hearings are usually held in rooms in state and municipal office buildings. The administrative law judge, who is not an elected judge, has the power to make rulings and orders that injured workers and the employer’s worker’s compensation insurance carrier must follow in this administrative proceeding.

Testimony is under oath. A court reporter takes down the testimony. You would be present with your attorney, if you have one. The insurance company’s attorney would also be there. Each side has has the opportunity to call witnesses. However, most hearings involve very few, if any, witnesses other than the injured worker. Most hearings also do not have any medical testimony from doctors. Their opinions are entered through their medical records, which is why it is so important to tell your doctor how your accident happened and how you are feeling so that these facts are properly recorded in your medical chart notes.

The judge does not issue a decision at the end of the hearing, but he or she will usually take between 60 to 90 days to issue a written decision that is mailed to the parties.

If you have questions about Worker’s compensation, personal injury, or social security disability, please feel free to call The Previant Law Firm, S.C. at (414) 240-1185.