What Hearings Could Occur in My Workers’ Compensation Case?

By James Roswold | October 22, 2021

If you are injured on the job and your employer does not pay you the benefits you are entitled to, you will need to file a claim for workers’ compensation. A workers’ compensation claim is a legal claim heard by an administrative judge. Like other types of litigation, there could be a number of hearings scheduled in your case.

Four Types of Hearings You Could Need in Your Workers’ Comp Case

If you are unable to resolve your workers’ comp claim with your employer, the administrative court could schedule a number of hearings in the litigation process. The goal of these hearings is to resolve specific issues, bring the case to settlement, or move the case along to a final trial. The following hearings may be scheduled in your case:

  • Pre-hearing. A pre-hearing can be requested by the employer or the employee. These hearings are utilized to put settlements on the record, discuss disputed issues with the administrative judge, or have the judge help move the case to settlement or trial.
  • Mediation. Mediation is a hearing between the parties and their attorneys with the judge to discuss issues that have been resolved and those that are still in dispute. The goal is to resolve the disputes so that the claim can be settled.
  • Hardship hearing. An employee would request this hearing when he is still in need of medical treatment or temporary total disability payments, and his employer refuses to provide the treatment or benefits. He would be seeking a temporary or partial award of benefits.
  • Final hearing. A final hearing is an evidentiary hearing when the case is ready for final resolution. The entire hearing is recorded in case it is needed by the reviewing tribunal.

Have You Been Injured On The Job?

If you’ve been hurt at work on the job in Kansas City you need to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our Kansas City office directly at 816-471-5111 to schedule your free consultation.

Posted in Workers Compensation