Administrative Hearings in Decatur Workers’ Compensation Cases: What are They and What Can You Do To Prepare?
One of the things that injured Decatur workers may have heard of at one point or another is that they may be required to attend a hearing in front of an administrative law judge in their Decatur workers’ compensation case. Indeed, along with all the challenging moving parts of a Decatur workers’ compensation case, injured workers may be anxious when they think about being questioned about their workplace injury by a judge to determine their eligibility to important workers’ compensation benefits. But what exactly is an administrative hearing in the context of a Decatur workers’ compensation case, and what can injured workers in Decatur do to better prepare for this important step of the workers’ compensation process? We answer those questions here.
Workers’ Compensation Administrative Hearings in Decatur
As the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation explains, after an injured worker files their workers’ compensation claim, “If you do not receive any benefits, you may request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation…A hearing is like a trial in the courts of Georgia. Your claim will be decided by an Administrative Law Judge who listens to both sides of the claim and determines what benefits, if any, you should receive. The judge’s decision will be based on the law and the facts involved.” Accordingly, the key here is that a workers’ compensation hearing operates like a “mini trial,” in that the judge acts as a referee and takes into account the testimony of the injured worker and that of the insurance company. The purpose of the hearing is for the administrative law judge to get more information – that is, information beyond the initial filings – to determine whether benefits should be granted.
Preparing for Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing in Decatur – Work with an Experienced Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
In light of the fact that how a workers’ compensation administrative hearing goes ultimately determines the fate of whether an injured worker may or may not be granted important workers’ compensation benefits, it is important for injured workers to be prepared for their workers’ compensation case. It is always important to review your file and your medical records before you attend your workers’ compensation administrative hearing. It is also important to tell the truth, and be honest in the testimony you provide to the judge (workers’ compensation hearings are also conducted under penalty of perjury). Of course, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer about your case as soon as possible after a serious workplace accident occurs. An experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer can help you prepare for your administrative hearing, and represent you, so that you have the best chance of getting benefits due to you.
If you are in the Decatur area and you need legal help with your Decatur workers’ compensation case, contact the experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm. The experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell law firm are here to help workers in Decatur with their complex workers’ compensation cases. Contact the O’Connell Law Firm today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
sbwc.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions/workers-compensation-law-faqs
