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$2.2 Million
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Lower Back Injury

How to Prepare for a Workers’ Comp Hearing

When you file a Workers’ Compensation claim, there is always a possibility it might go before an administrative law judge (ALJ) or the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board for a hearing.  Workers’ Comp hearings are not exactly “trials,” but they have a lot of the same elements and formality.  This can make preparing for your Workers’ Comp hearing quite stressful, but our attorneys have some tips and things to know to help you prepare.

First, you should know that most of what you will potentially be asked about is just the facts of what happened.  You will not be expected to know medical terminology, and your medical records will be able to speak for themselves to show what conditions you have or what your doctor diagnosed you with.  Before going to your hearing, you should simply prepare by going over the facts again, speaking to your attorney, and making sure you know where to go and how to dress for the hearing.

Reach out to the Certified Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Cardamone Law at (267) 651-7945 for a free case evaluation.

What Do I Need to Know Ahead of Time for a Workers’ Comp Hearing in Pennsylvania?

Workers’ Comp hearings are used to challenge denials and address petitions to stop, start, or modify Workers’ Comp benefits.  The specific purpose of the hearing in question will change exactly what kinds of questions are asked and what the judge needs to know about the case, but there are a few things that you will need to know to prepare yourself for the hearing.

First, you do not need to know all of the technical medical information about your injury and prognosis.  You might know that you hurt your knee, for example, but your medical records will show the specifics about what tendon, ligament, muscle, or bone was injured.  The Workers’ Compensation system does not expect injured workers to suddenly become medical experts, and your focus is better spent on the facts of what happened.

You will need to have a good understanding of the timeline of events and what happened to you if that will be a part of the hearing.  This means knowing the date of your injury, what you did to treat it, who you told about it, what led up to the accident, when you filed your notice with your employer, and other facts like these.  If you are having trouble keeping it all straight – especially if you are dealing with a severe injury like a traumatic brain injury – our lawyers can help you with these facts and information.

Will the Judge Ask Me Questions at My Workers’ Comp Hearing?

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Depends on the Judge and the nature of the petitions that brought you into court. Of course, if the Judge speaks to you, be courteous and responsive. It is proper to call the Judge, “Your Honor”.

What actually happens – and what information the judge needs to pull out – at the hearing will depend heavily on the purpose of the hearing.  Many hearings take place to determine whether you are eligible in the first place – i.e., whether your injury was work-related.  In these cases, you will likely testify, and the judge will likely ask you questions.

Generally, we will, as your attorneys, be the ones presenting the evidence.  This means we will question you and direct you through your testimony about what happened.  However, hearings are not like trials, where the only evidence comes from the attorneys’ questions and exhibits.  Instead, the judge might have some questions of their own, and they will be able to ask them.

You might also be questioned by the opposing lawyer – usually an attorney representing the insurance carrier your employer works with.

What Do I Need to Bring to a Workers’ Comp Hearing?

When you go to your hearing, you will usually just need to bring yourself.  Our lawyers can request medical records and seek out any other evidence that you will need ahead of time.  We will be the ones responsible for bringing it to court, presenting it to the judge, and supplying any additional information.  The main information you will provide is your testimony about what happened to you, and we can provide the rest.

Is a Hearing Over in One Day?

Some Workers’ Comp judges will try to get everything done in one day, but many Workers’ Comp hearings actually require multiple days of hearings in court.  In some cases, you might not need to be present for every argument and every document presentation, allowing you to stay home and focus on your recovery some days.  However, when your testimony is needed, we will need to have you present at the hearing each day.

How to Dress for Your Workers’ Comp Hearing

A hearing is not the same as a trial where there is a jury to impress and try to win over.  However, you should still make an effort to dress professionally and avoid any negative opinions from the judge. You should look respectful to the Court, and not wear t-shirts, jeans, tank tops, shorts, or sandals. On the other hand, it is not necessary to wear a suit or dress. Just use your common sense and look appropriate.

If you have a suit and tie or nice slacks and a blazer you can wear, that will usually be sufficient.  A reserved dress or a blouse and skirt would also be a good choice.  If you do not have these, then a nicely pressed button-down shirt and a pair of dress pants or a skirt would also be acceptable.

In any case, try to avoid wearing sneakers, workout wear, leggings, shorts, jeans, sweats, or tee shirts.  If you have an injury or disability that requires special clothing or shoes for comfort, then it is perfectly acceptable to wear that instead.  For example, if your foot injury feels better in sneakers than dress shoes, do not let the formality of the hearing stop you from wearing sneakers.  In fact, it might even be a good idea to bring up the sneakers in your testimony to show the judge the injury is still affecting you.

If you need to wear supports like a walking boot, a sling, or a neck brace, do so.  However, you should never try to “play up” the injury or do anything to exaggerate its severity, such as wearing an unnecessary neck brace or a walking boot you no longer need.  Judges are often good at seeing through these kinds of exaggerations, and they will not take kindly to you if they think you are lying to them.

Call Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Pennsylvania Today

For a free review of your work injury case, call the Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Cardamone Law today at (267) 651-7945.

Awards & Recognitions

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Cardamone Law Has Negotiated Some of the Largest Workers’ Comp Settlements in Pennsylvania

$6 Million
Acted as Co-Counsel on a Case that Settled
$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury
$740,000
Amputation
$650,000
Lower Back Injury
$550,000
Neck Injury
$425,000
Leg Injury
$375,000
Knee Injury
$325,000
Ankle Injury
$6 Million
Acted as Co-Counsel on a Case that Settled
$2.2 Million
Spinal Injury
$897,000
Lower Back Injury
$740,000
Amputation
$650,000
Lower Back Injury
$550,000
Neck Injury
$425,000
Leg Injury
$375,000
Knee Injury
$325,000
Ankle Injury

Client Testimonials

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mike and Shirley!!"

I called Shirley when I was scared and didn’t know what where my next dime was coming from after I was out with my work injury. Shirley was very kind and helpful guiding me every single step of the way. Mike was not your typical lawyer was not pushy but very responsive to all my gazillion questions. He helped me get my settlement quickly and settlement check in a very timely manner. Would recommend them to anyone! Mike helped calm all my fears and anxieties as I was trying to navigate one of the hardest and most stressful times in my life. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Mike and Shirley!!

- Jen Thompson
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"Best Law Firm around!"

"Cardomone law is absolutely fantastic! They are very responsive and helpful and they will fight to get you what you deserve. Shirley is also very helpful whenever you have any questions! Best Law Firm around!"

- C. Edwards
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"Michael and Shirley are very dedicated...and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case"

"Cardamone Law Firm were very helpful to me since day one. Michael and Shirley are very dedicated to my case giving me updates, answering my questions, being honest with my case, and getting the maximum amount favorable to my case. Thank you so much for your service and dedication and helping me to achieve not only your case but to guide and refer me in other needs too! You guys are the best law firm friendly and dedicated. I will recommend to anyone."

- A. Ortiz
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"Michael won my workers comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim."

"Exceptional firm. Highly recommend this law firm. Michael won my Workers Comp case after my employer insurance denied my claim. Him and his staff were always at my reach for legal and emotional support. Am so happy I hire them. Thanks Michael and Ms. Shirley."

- Carlos P.
Google Reviews
"[They] did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time."

"I recently had a work related injury and was receiving Workers' Compensation (medical benefits only). Soon after I was fired, so I contacted Paul Silver at Cardamone Law Firm who did an excellent job in getting me financially compensated in a fairly short amount of time. Paul and his assistant Shirley always responded to any questions I had about the case in a very short amount of time. Thank you for helping me with this difficult case."

- Robin C.
Google Reviews
"Highly recommend."

"Cardamone Law was great with helping my husband with his Workers Comp issues. Mike and Shirley were the best with letting us know what was going on every step of the way. Highly recommend."

- Danielle P.
Google Reviews
"Mike Cardamone is amazing"

"Mike Cardamone is amazing. He is "hands down" one of the best lawyers I've ever had the privilege of knowing. He is very kind, understanding, knowledgeable in his field, always very thorough and helpful. He was extremely professional and someone who truly cares about his clients. I felt completely at ease with him. He was a pleasure to work with, explained everything in detail, as well as answered all my questions with knowledge and care. If you want someone you can trust, who communicates every step of the way, will fight for you and make sure you win your case, he is it! I will refer all my family and friends to him. Thank you so much Mike, for everything. I appreciate all your hard work and dedication in helping me."

- Allie M.
Google Reviews
Without a doubt YOU are the best!!!

"Without a doubt YOU are the best!!! Every person who is in the horrible position of being injured at work should have someone as kind, compassionate and knowledgeable as you on their side. You never once made me feel like I was one of a hundred other clients. I always knew you had my back! You answered calls and emails at all hours. You fought every fight for me so I only had to worry about getting well. Behind your nice, calm face there’s a pit bull ready to take on any employer or judge. I can never thank you enough."

- L. Edall
Google Reviews
"Best Workers' Comp Lawyer!"

"Michael is simply the best! He was there for me from day 1 till the end, and we won the case!! He is always available to help. I had a gazillion questions and he would answer them one by one. He's a great lawyer and I feel lucky to have found him online from reading other outstanding reviews about him. Believe me, they're true!"

- Faith B.
Google Reviews
"Great Attorney"

"Great attorney, handled case quickly and efficiently. I would recommend him and would use him again. He was always available to answer any questions we had. Thank you, Mr. Cardamone."

- H. Anderson
Google Reviews