When Can I Request an Administrative Hearing for my Workers Comp Claim?
Any time an insurance company makes a decision that you do not agree with, you can request a hearing at the Industrial Commission of Arizona. A workers’ compensation hearing is very similar to a trial, except that your case will be decided by an administrative law judge, not by a jury.
The hearing itself is handled like other litigation. Both you and the insurance company will be allowed to present evidence and testimony. Both sides are entitled to call lay and expert witnesses. Following the hearing, the administrative law judge will issue a written decision within 60 days.
How Is My Employer Involved in the Hearing?
Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When your workers’ compensation claim is made, your employer’s insurance company (not your employer) will be required to pay your claim. At the administrative hearing, the insurance company will therefore want to have your claim denied or your benefits minimized. Insurance companies retain lawyers to represent them at every workers’ compensation hearing.
Why You Need to Have an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney in an Administrative Hearing
Because insurance companies have a strong financial incentive to pay you as little as possible, you will be well-served by having an experienced workers’ compensation on your side to protect your rights. With years of experience representing injured workers, I will do my best to to help you prove your case so that you can receive the benefits to which you may be entitled.
At the hearing, we have the opportunity to present all relevant evidence necessary to prove your case. We will examine and cross examine witnesses, and file pertinent medical records. We will also do our best to show the administrative judge why any defense offered by the insurance companies should be rejected.
For an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, contact the Law Office of Stephen L. Weiss today.
