When a worker is hurt or harmed on the job in South Carolina, they can report it to their employer and seek compensation for their injuries and losses. While some cases settle, others require a court hearing to resolve issues surrounding benefit eligibility and the total amount owed. A hearing can take up to several weeks to get scheduled. In the meantime, you want to make sure you file all necessary paperwork and are prepared for the hearing. Here’s what to expect at a workers’ comp hearing in South Carolina and what you should know to prepare.
What Can I Expect From a Workers’ Compensation Hearing?
Workers’ compensation hearings take place in a small courtroom and are less formal than jury trials. As the most important witness in your case, you will testify and be cross-examined. This may seem daunting, but with the guidance of a workers’ compensation attorney, you will be equipped and ready.
Who Attends a Workers’ Comp Hearing?
Besides you, your lawyer, a workers’ compensation judge, and the insurance company’s lawyer, there may also be a court reporter, commissioner, witnesses, a representative from your employer, and an insurance company representative present. Sometimes, the commissioner has an assistant who also joins.
Questions You May Be Asked at a Workers’ Comp Hearing
- What is your full name, address, and date of birth? You will be asked this question at the beginning of your workers’ compensation hearing and potentially other personal questions, such as your marital status and whether there’s any children in your household.
- Where did you attend school? Besides your education and training experience, you may be asked questions about your work history, such as certifications and past employment. You should answer these questions honestly.
- What are your job duties? These and any other questions about your current job responsibilities are some of the most important in your hearing. You may be asked questions about your hire date, hours you have worked, your salary, any preexisting medical conditions, and physical examinations you underwent before your start date. Therefore, you should compile all of your employment information before your hearing date.
- What happened? You will be asked about the accident, when it occurred, the body parts impacted, and who you reported it to. You may also be asked how and where you got your initial medical treatment and job duty restrictions. Your testimony must be as specific and detailed as possible.
- Can you return to work? You must answer this and other questions about your current activity honestly. Depending on the severity of your injury and its impact on your ability to return to work, you may need to keep a list of other jobs you have applied for and whether they can offer you a position with your current injury. You also may be asked about activities and hobbies you are currently engaged in.
Attorneys Committed to Protecting The Working People of South Carolina
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job and choose to file a workers’ compensation claim, a workers’ comp lawyer at Grimes Teich Anderson can help walk you through the claims and hearing processes to ensure your rights are protected.
When your career is derailed by a work injury, we’re here to help get your life back on track. Speak with a South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer at Grimes Teich Anderson today for a free case evaluation.
Contact us by submitting a contact form below or calling our office toll-free at 800-533-6845 for a free legal consultation.