While most workers’ compensation cases are settled quickly, others need a formal hearing before they are resolved. During this hearing, the judge will go through all the evidence and give a ruling denying or awarding your benefits. Like any other person, it is your first time appearing on a formal hearing, and you may not know what is needed. Before you attend your workers’ compensation case, you will need to prepare for your hearing. The first is to prepare mentally, strengthening your case because of the better impression, and being a good witness. If you have a workers’ compensation attorney, you should meet beforehand to prepare you for the hearing and discuss your claim.
Benefits of Worker’s Compensation
Workers’ compensation law protects the right of injured workers. Suppose you have had an accident while at work. You have the right to obtain workers’ compensation benefits, including a portion of your weekly wages and a medical payment. Here are four ways to prepare for your workers’ compensation case. You should be aware of every visit you have had with your doctor. Go through your medical records to be conversant with all treatments and medication received. This way, it becomes easy to explain and testify about your accident and treatments to the judge.
Review Your Medical and Accident Records
You should review your medical and accident records to know the critical factors about your injuries, accident, and treatment to clearly explain the details. Ensure your testimony is constant with what you have said and prepare to explain further in case of unclear information. If there are other issues with an insurance company, prepare accordingly to answer questions about them.
Evaluate Your Damages and Injuries
If you claim the injuries limit your work or have resulted in a permanent disability, you need to prepare to explain the pain you go through and how it hinders what you can do. Be sure to be honest with your details as you may end up losing your sincerity as a witness and your workers’ compensation benefits.
Identify Witnesses and Depositions
Witnesses and depositions are part of your workers’ compensation petition. It is hard to win a case without expert witnesses. Discuss with your attorney about your witnesses who will testify in your case. The witnesses may include vocational experts, family members, and treating doctors. A deposition in a workers’ compensation claim is mainly a testimony taken under oath. Your attorney and the insurance company will ask professional questions while a court reporter transcribes the answers.
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you need to be clear and precise on the evidence you give to your attorney and the court during the hearing. Inconsistencies and uncertainty may lead to benefit denial. Learn how to prepare for the case using the tips above. Successful hearing!
Author information: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter: @RachelleWilber
