The Industrial Commission is the adjudicating body that is a part of the workers’ compensation system. Their job is to determine what disputed issues should be allowed as part of a claim. Some of the things that they determine are the following:
- if compensation should be paid in a claim
- if treatment should be paid in a claim
- if a claim in and of itself should be allowed
- if an additional condition that’s requested should be allowed and part of a claim
These hearings are semi-judicial, which means that they operate similarly to a judicial proceeding that is held in a courtroom, but tend to be less formal. You and your attorney will a be responsible for presenting any and all bits of evidence that would establish your right to compensation for your injury and/or disease.
What to Expect in a Hearing | Video Explanation
These types of things should not be handled without professional legal representation. Cross-examination is also something that should be left to a professional in order to have the best chance at a satisfactory outcome.
We Will Help You Prepare for Your Hearing
If you are facing a workers’ compensation hearing, there are certain things you can and should do. It is possible to attend a hearing on your own and to represent yourself; however, it is NOT advised. This preparation may seem stressful and nerve-wracking, but the fact-of-the-matter is that 5.4 million people were newly awarded workers’ compensation benefits in 2014. You are not in this alone, and with the proper legal help, you can feel confident that you will receive the benefits that you deserve.
We recommend that you consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney so that you go into it as prepared as possible. The attorneys at The Harris Firm in Cincinnati, Ohio, have been there to support and comfort many Ohio workers through this stressful time, and we can be there for you, too. Before the hearing, we make it a point to go over all of the details of your case one more time with you. We talk with our clients about significant issues prior to these hearings and make sure that the appropriate evidence is gathered, submitted, and framed correctly.
We will also make sure you understand what to expect at all stages of the workers’ compensation process. Our goal is to eliminate as many surprises as possible. When our clients require a workers’ compensation hearing, we are right by their side the entire way, helping them to feel comfortable and doing our best to alleviate any unnecessary stress.
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