Gettysburg Workers Comp Hearing Lawyer
After being injured on the job, you expect that workers’ compensation benefits will provide for your medical expenses and lost wages. Unfortunately, obtaining these benefits is not always easy. If your employer or their insurance company denies your claim, you may have to attend a workers’ comp hearing, which can be stressful and intimidating. Below, our Gettysburg workers comp hearing lawyer outlines the information you will need and what you can expect at your hearing.
What to Know Before Your Workers Comp Hearings
You will likely have to testify before a workers’ compensation judge at the hearing. The judge will want to hear a lot of information for you, so it is important to have this ready. You should prepare yourself to testify to the following:
- Details involving your job including your employment position, the wages you earn, the hours you worked, the length of your employment, and other details related to your employment
- Your medical history, which includes information about your workplace injury, your previous medical history, and the medical providers you have used in the past
- Details pertaining to your workplace injury including how it happened, where it happened, if witnesses were present, and who you reported the injury to
- Your current symptoms, whether they have improved, and if medical treatment has helped with them
What is the Process of Workers Comp Hearings?
Your lawyer will first ask you questions at the workers’ comp hearing. After your lawyer’s questions are finished, the attorney representing the insurance company will cross-examine you. The lawyer will try to undermine your credibility and argue why you do not deserve workers’ compensation benefits. It is critical that you work with a lawyer who can help you prepare for the cross-examination. Once the lawyers for both sides have finished asking their questions, the judge may ask you some questions, but they usually do not. At the end of the hearing, the judge will make a final decision or inform you of further scheduling matters in your case.
How to Prepare for Your Workers Comp Hearings
It is of the utmost importance that you are friendly during the hearing and that you answer all questions truthfully. Being evasive, hostile, angry, or dramatic will not be helpful in your case. The workers’ compensation judge must determine whether you are credible and so, they will watch your demeanor. Do not exaggerate about your symptoms or try to hide information, such as if you have a pre-existing condition. Workers’ compensation judges have been through hundreds of hearings and they will know if you are being dishonest or not.
Our Workers Comp Hearings Lawyer in Gettysburg Can Provide the Legal Advice You Need
At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., our Gettysburg workers comp hearing lawyer can prepare you for the process to ensure you receive the most favorable outcome possible. Call us today at 717-238-1657 or contact us online to request a free case evaluation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
