If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. To receive these benefits, you will need to file a claim and attend a hearing. At the hearing, the judge will ask you questions to assess your eligibility for benefits.
Here are some of the questions you can expect to hear:
1. How were you injured?
The judge will want to know the details of your injury, how it occurred, and what part of your body is affected. Be prepared to describe your injury in as much detail as possible.
2. What type of work were you doing when you were injured?
The judge also wants to know what your job duties were at the time of the accident. Be specific and give examples if possible.
3. Have you ever been treated for this type of injury before?
The judge must determine at your workers’ compensation hearing if you’ve ever had a similar injury in the past and whether or not you’ve received treatment for it. Again, be as specific as possible in your answer.
4. What kind of treatment have you received for your injury?
In addition to reviewing your medical records, the judge will ask you what kind of medical treatment you’ve received and how it has helped (or not helped) your condition. Be sure to bring copies of all medical documentation, such as doctors’ notes and hospital records, with you to the hearing so that you can refer to them if necessary.
5. Are you still receiving treatment?
The judge will want to know if you are still receiving medical treatment and, if so, how often you are seeing the doctor/going to physical therapy/etc. It is important to keep up with your treatment even after the hearing so that you can continue receiving benefits if they are approved.
6. Have you been released from treatment?
They’ll want to know if your doctor has released you from care or if he thinks you need more treatment. If your doctor has released you from care but your symptoms have not gone away, be sure to explain this to the judge so that he understands that your condition is still serious enough to warrant benefits.
7. What is the expected length of your recovery?
Another workers’ compensation hearing question you’ll be asked is how long it is expected to take before you are completely healed from your injuries. This answer can be difficult to determine, but your doctor should be able to give you a general timeline based on his experience with similar cases.
8. Are there any restrictions on what activities you can do because of your injuries?
The judge will ask if there are any activities that you cannot do because of your injuries.
For example, lifting heavy objects, sitting for long periods, etc. This question is important because it helps the judge understand how seriously your injuries have impacted your life and work. It also helps them determine your ability to return to work.
9. Have you returned to work yet?
Finally, they’ll want to know if you have returned to work. If so, they’ll ask whether or not you can perform all of your usual job duties without any restrictions.
If you have not returned to work yet because of your injuries, the judge will want to know why and when you expect to return.
Concerned about the Workers’ Compensation Hearing Questions You’ll Need to Answer?
One of the best ways to avoid problems at your workers’ compensation hearing is to work with an experienced attorney. They’ll help you prepare and ensure fair treatment. For more information or help preparing for your hearing, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.
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