Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hello!

I finally got date for lump sum hearing for wages and perm injury impairment. I did everything without attorney, and did ok- I think. But, besides the date, the letter has given me questions and concerns.

Letter from court states I must bring "medical reports and other documentary matter relevant to the case". I was under the impression that everything was all set between me and IC.

Can the judge change our agreement?
What should I bring-everything?
What should I expect to happen? Will I have to testify? Should I HAVE an attorney?

Bit nervous now, wasn't before the letter! IC is huge and has fancy attorney from Boston. I'm just little old me!! lol!

Any advice, info, past experience, stories, etc would be sooo helpful and greatly appreciated!!

Have a great day everyone!

When in doubt you call your State work comp Board, and ask to speak to an Advocate. Then ask what you need to bring and such. Then it's not a Judge, but is a Hearing Officer. Yes, they can alter the settlement amount. You also may need to be able to stand your own ground in the hearing. Meaning fight for yourself. You may need to know some legal terms, and would suggest you goggle them by State work comp Laws and rules.

Thanks, again as you have helped before!

It is a judge, we are meeting in her "chambers". All sounds so ominous!!

Will try to get an advocate, never thought to do that!! Didn't know I could!!

thanks again!!

when we went for my husbands(he had no lawyer) we went before a judge and she asked some questions....was we aware we could have a lawyer.was we aware the amount could go up or down with a lawyer.was we aware this closed the case forever and amen.......we took the records but she never looked at them because we had agreed ahead of time......

it probably depends a lot on the rules in your state. Most states give judges at least veto power if not more. without a copy of the medical evidence used to negotiate the deal it's difficult for the court to rule on the fairnesss especially when an unrepresented worker is involved.
"little ol' you" can be a real advantage in the informal world of workers comp. many times the judge becomes your advocate and trys to balance any issues.
you can get an atty at any time. make it clear a head of time that if it gets complicated or you feel overwhelmed you want to reschedule the hearing untl you've found an atty.
Time out for finding an atty is a universally allowed reason for courts to grant a continuance. failure to do so is frowned upon by the higher court and almost always overturns any decision that doesn't honor it.
again the details of what hearing rules apply are state specific.

Fairycatz, I very seldom offer advise, and generally only offer an Opinion. But, here is one word of Advise from me.

If while at the time of such Hearing, you feel that things are going all wrong. Stop the Hearing by asking for permission to speak. Then ask that it be continued to allow you some time to obtain an Attorney. You case then will be continued, and you have or should hire an Attorney at that point.