Most of the Workers’ Compensation cases get resolved by settlement. Only the workers’ compensation cases in dispute are needed to be resolved through workers’ compensation trial. According to an estimate, only 5% of workers’ compensation cases go to a trial.
What To Expect at a Workers' Compensation Trial
A workers’ compensation trial is referred to as a ‘hearing’ but the more accurate term used in case of workers’ compensation is ‘evidentiary hearing.’ The employee needs to provide admissible evidence on the contested issues. And if the employee fails to provide the required evidence, there are the chances of losing the case. So the employees should go for pre-trial preparation with the attorney.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the role of an administrative judge is to rule on objections, review the evidence, and decide the case or provide rulings after trials. He cannot assist you in preparing or presenting evidence. So you need the help or services of a certified and experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney for:
- Preparing your evidence
- Presenting your evidence
- Explaining the Rules of Evidence
Evidentiary Hearing Can Further Be Divided Into Two Categories:
- Hardship Hearing: A Hardship Hearing is requested by the employee’s attorney when there is a dispute about the medical treatment, payment of temporary total disability benefits, or both. The judge usually issues a “temporary or partial award “for a hardship hearing; meaning that the judge makes a ruling on certain issues but the case remains on the judge’s docket.
- Final Hearing: A ‘final hearing’ is an evidentiary hearing requested by either of the parties when all of the medical treatments have been concluded and both parties have prepared their medical evidence and other expert evidence for the evidentiary hearing.
Decision of Court
The decision provided by the court after the evidentiary hearing is known as an ‘award.’ An ‘award’ is similar to a judgment in circuit court. It is called an ‘award’ even if the employee receives no compensation.
What Type of Evidence Is Needed To Be Provided by an Employee?
An employee needs to provide the following evidence:
- Testimonies of the employee and other witnesses
- Medical evidence including certified copies of medical records and testimonies of doctors
- Doctor can provide a deposition and testify during the hearing
- Doctor’s reports (if needed)
After the employees have presented the evidence, the employer/insurer will also present its evidence. They also provide medical evidence in the form of certified medical records and/or physician’s testimony. Everything said during the evidentiary hearing is recorded by the court reporter and all the exhibits for identification are marked.
After all the evidence is presented, the judge may allow both parties a short period of 21 days or less to file ‘briefs.’ ‘Briefs’ are written statements pertaining to facts and the law and refuting each party’s position as to how the case should be resolved.
The ‘award’ is issued as soon as the administrative law judge has reviewed all the evidence and considered the ‘briefs.’ According to the law, the ‘award’ should be issued within 90 days of the last day of the hearing. The award is mailed to the employee, to the employer or insurance company, and to all the attorneys in the case. An appeal can be filed on the ‘award’ by any of the parties.
Contact Law Office of Andrew S. Kasmer, if you need legal counsel and expert representation for a workers’ compensation trial. Our dedicated attorneys will offer you aggressive and personalized representation and will help you get what you deserve.