In my law firm in Albany, NY I have clients who have received a hearing notice from the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board and will often ask whether or not they will have to talk at the hearing.
Unless the hearing is schedule for testimony, the answer is usually no. Represented claimants usually have to do very little or no talking at the time of the hearing. Counsel will make arguments to the Law Judge and to opposing counsel. Legal issues will be discussed, argued, and decided upon by the Law Judge.
Following a Workers’ Compensation hearing, the claimant usually has no idea what has happened. That is when we sit down with them and explain point by point what the legal mumbo-jumbo they just heard in the hearing room means to them. Are their benefits being suspended or reduced or are they being increased? Has their medical treatment been denied or approved? Is their case going into litigation or will it remain status quo? What does the future hold for their claim?
If you have a Workers’ Compensation hearing or simply have questions about your legal rights under the New York State Workers’ Compensation Law, we will be happy to speak with you.