If your workers’ compensation claim is being disputed, you might require a formal hearing before a workers’ compensation judge to fight for the benefits you deserve. During your workers’ compensation hearing, a judge will review the evidence in your case and make a decision to award or deny you the benefits you are seeking. It is critical that you are properly prepared for this hearing and understand what the process involves, so you are able to smoothly navigate your way through it.
Below is a list of some tips that will help you prepare for your upcoming workers’ compensation hearing:
- Hire a workers’ compensation attorney: Workers’ compensation claims tend to be incredibly complicated and involve very specific rules and procedures. To ensure you are able to obtain a favorable result, it is imperative that you hire a workers’ compensation attorney who has an in-depth understanding of the legal and medical issues involved in such cases. Your workers’ compensation attorney will also be able to help you prepare for the hearing and even help you negotiate with the insurance company, which could potentially help you avoid having to go through a hearing at all.
- Building your case: To help build your case, you and your attorney will need to obtain copies of your medical records, unpaid medical bills, and any other documents that can help you effectively support your workers’ compensation claim. This is known as the discovery process. You and the insurance company will have to exchange documents and information at this time and, if you fail to follow the rules regarding the submission of evidence, you might be prohibited from presenting it at all during your hearing. This is another reason why having an attorney on your side is so critical.
- Calculating the damages: In a workers’ compensation case, you can demand the payment of your medical bills, wage losses, and other benefits. Your attorney should organize your unpaid medical bills, calculate your lost wages, and gather any other pertinent evidence that is necessary to calculate how much you are owed in workers’ compensation benefits.
- Testifying at the hearing: Testifying at a workers’ compensation hearing can be a little intimidating, so it is important to organize your thoughts prior to your hearing. Consider writing down a timeline of your claim and include the date and time of your injury, when you reported it and requested benefits, any important medical events or treatment, and how your symptoms progressed over time.
It is important to be as accurate and honest as possible when testifying during your workers’ compensation hearing, so do not exaggerate or minimize your symptoms or overall condition. If your credibility or honesty come into question, the judge might deny your claim and you could miss out on obtaining the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Sacramento
If you sustained an injury at work, you are likely going through a difficult time and are in need of workers’ compensation benefits while you take some time to recover. However, it is not uncommon for insurance companies or employers to attempt to hinder employees from obtaining the benefits they need. At Smolich and Smolich in Sacramento, our skilled team of workers’ compensation attorneys will fight on your behalf to help ensure you are able to secure the benefits you need.
Get started on your workers’ compensation case today and reach out to our law firm today at (916) 571-0400 to request your free initial case evaluation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys. You will not owe us any legal fees unless we win your case!