- PA Workers’ Comp Hearing: What to Expec If your Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claim is disputed, it will be scheduled for a hearing. This can be an intimidating prospect if you don’t know what to expect. This video will walk you through the entire process of a workers’ compensation hearing, preparing you for the experience and helping you understand what’s at stake.
- Less Formal Than a Courtroom Trial: We’ll start by clarifying that a workers’ compensation hearing is not a big, scary courtroom drama. There is no jury, and it’s generally a more informal setting. The hearing is typically held in a small office with the Workers’ Compensation Judge, you and your lawyer, the insurance company’s lawyer, and a court reporter.
- Presenting Your Case:We’ll explain the key steps of the hearing:
- Your testimony:You will be placed under oath and your lawyer will ask you questions about how your injury occurred, your job duties, your medical treatment, and your current physical limitations. The insurance company’s lawyer will then have an opportunity to cross-examine you.
- Presenting Evidence: Your lawyer will submit crucial evidence, such as medical records, doctor’s reports, and any other documents that support your claim.
- Witness Testimony:In some cases, witnesses who saw the accident or can speak about your physical limitations may testify.
- The Insurance Company’s Side: We’ll explain that the insurance company’s lawyer will also present their evidence, which may include reports from their own doctors, surveillance videos, or testimony from a co-worker.
- The Judge’s Decision: We’ll conclude by reminding you that after all the evidence has been presented, the judge will issue a written decision. This decision is based on the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing.
This video is for any injured worker in Pennsylvania facing a workers’ compensation hearing.
We’ll give you the confidence and knowledge you need to be prepared.