What to Expect at a Workers’ Compensation Hearing in New York If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits in New York. However, before you can receive these benefits, you may need to attend a workers’ compensation hearing. Here is what you can expect at a workers’ compensation hearing in New York. Purpose of the Hearing The purpose of the hearing is to determine whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The hearing will be conducted by a workers’ compensation judge, who will listen to evidence presented by both you and your employer’s insurance company. Location of the Hearing The hearing will typically take place at the Workers’ Compensation Board office or at a hearing site located closer to your home. You will receive a notice of the hearing that will indicate the time, date, and location of the hearing. Preparation for the Hearing You should prepare for the hearing by gathering all relevant medical records, witness statements, and other evidence related to your injury. You may also want to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can help you prepare your case and represent you at the hearing. Conduct of the Hearing At the hearing, the workers’ compensation judge will listen to testimony from you, your employer’s insurance company, and any witnesses. The judge may also review medical records and other evidence related to your injury. You or your attorney will have the opportunity to ask questions and present evidence to support your case. Possible Outcomes of the Hearing After considering all the evidence presented at the hearing, the judge will make a decision on whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. If the judge finds that you are entitled to benefits, the judge will issue an award that specifies the amount and duration of benefits that you are entitled to receive. Appeals If you or your employer’s insurance company is unhappy with the judge’s decision, you may be able to appeal the decision to the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Appeal Board. This is a separate body that reviews decisions made by workers’ compensation judges. Duration of the Hearing The duration of the hearing can vary, depending on the complexity of the case and the amount of evidence presented. Some hearings may only last a few hours, while others may take several days or even weeks. Types of Evidence Presented The evidence presented at the hearing may include medical reports, witness statements, employment records, and any other documents that are relevant to your case. Your attorney may also present expert testimony from medical professionals or vocational experts to support your case. Representation at the Hearing You have the right to represent yourself at the hearing, but it’s generally recommended to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who can represent you and protect your interests. Your attorney can help you prepare your case, gather evidence, and present your case in a clear and concise manner. Importance of Following Up After the hearing, it’s important to follow up with the Workers’ Compensation Board to ensure that you receive the benefits that you are entitled to. This may involve filling out additional paperwork, providing updated medical information, or attending follow-up hearings. Attending a workers’ compensation hearing in New York can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right preparation and representation, you can increase your chances of receiving the benefits that you are entitled to. If you have been injured at work and are pursuing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and protect your interests. At Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C., we understand that the workers’ compensation process can be overwhelming and complex, especially if you are dealing with an injury. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to helping our clients navigate this process and get the benefits they deserve. We work closely with our clients to ensure that they understand the legal process and what to expect at the hearing. We believe that by preparing our clients, we can help them feel more confident and comfortable during the hearing. During the hearing, we present evidence on behalf of our clients and cross-examine witnesses to ensure that their rights are protected. We also help our clients understand the judge’s decision and what it means for their case. If our clients are unhappy with the judge’s decision, we can help them appeal the decision to the Workers’ Compensation Board’s Appeal Board. Our goal is to ensure that our clients receive the maximum benefits possible under workers’ compensation law. In addition to providing legal representation, we offer emotional support and guidance throughout the entire workers’ compensation process. We understand how stressful and challenging this process can be, and we are here to help our clients every step of the way. In conclusion, if you are dealing with a workers’ compensation claim in New York, we at Cole, Sorrentino, Hurley, Hewner & Gambino, P.C. are here to help. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can assist you with your case.