work mans comp form question?

Question

I received from my lawyer a w14 form that says request for hearing?, what does that mean?, how long do I have to wait to go to court?

Answer 1

It's a hearing and nothing like a real court setting. It will most likely take place in a small room with you, your lawyer, the law judge and someone representing Worker's Compensation. Each representative will make his or her statements to the Judge regarding their findings and then the law Judge may ask you questions about your injury, pain, doctor's visits, etc. Don't let it scare you. The law Judges are impartial and are usually very nice. If you are injured in anyway, they want to see that you are treated fairly. You will probably get a notice within 30-45 days to meet wherever your area compensation meetings are usually held. The reason for the hearing is usually to establish the extent of your injury so they can figure out how much $ and what health care you are entitled to. It's usually to establish a bimonthly payment if you are still off of work because of the injury. It usually goes by percentages. You may have already visited your own doctor as well as a doctor represented by Worker's Compensation. As an example; if your doctor said that you are 75% disabled (temporarily or permenantly) and the Worker's Comp. doctor states that he feels you have a 25% disability, they may come to a conclusion that you are 50% disabled and they base your wages on that as well as what medical benefits you will be entitled to.
Just make sure that you have a lawyer that is representing you efficiantly. Don't be afraid to give him your input. Also, don't be afaid to answer truthfully when the law judge asks you questions.
Good luck to you!