What Happens in a Workers’ Compensation Hearing?
May 20, 2025
When a workers’ compensation claim is denied or contested, the next step is often a formal hearing before a judge. A hearing allows you to present your case, provide evidence, and have a neutral party decide whether you’re entitled to benefits.
What to Expect at the Hearing
A workers’ compensation hearing is a legal proceeding before a judge from the New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation. This is not a jury trial, but it does involve presenting testimony, documentation, and medical records. The judge listens to both sides—you and the employer or their insurance carrier—and issues a decision after reviewing the evidence.
If you’re represented by our firm, we ensure your claim is supported with clear, complete records, including your injury details, medical treatment, and wage loss. Many of our clients are seeking benefits that align with other long-term claims, such as a state pension, and we make sure every part of your case is coordinated.
Key Disputes in Workers’ Compensation Hearings
These hearings usually center on whether the injury is work-related, how severe it is, and how it affects your ability to work. Employers may argue that your condition existed before the injury or that your disability isn’t connected to your job.
For public employees, these hearings often intersect with retirement or pension claims. For instance, a firefighter applying for a New Jersey pension may also need to prove the injury permanently prevents them from returning to duty. We ensure these arguments are fully developed and supported with medical and occupational evidence.
How We Help You Prepare
You’ll likely need to testify at the hearing. We help you understand what questions to expect and how to explain your condition, work history, and treatment clearly. Your treating doctor may provide a written report or testify via deposition, and we ensure their opinion is properly submitted and accurately reflects your condition.
When clients are also pursuing long-term benefits, such as a teacher pension, we work to align their testimony with all related claims. We know how these benefits systems interact, and our preparation helps avoid unnecessary delays or conflicts between claims.
Timeline and Outcome
A judge rarely decides a case immediately after the hearing. They’ll review everything and issue a written decision within several weeks. If you win, the insurance company must pay the benefits ordered. If the claim is denied, you have the right to appeal.
We’ve helped many clients through this process. You can read what some have said by visiting our testimonials page. Our role is to ensure your rights are protected and your case is as strong as possible from the outset.
Documentation and Evidence
Supporting your case requires more than just describing how the injury happened. We collect medical reports, treatment records, job descriptions, and pay stubs. If you’re also seeking a public pension, we coordinate your employment and health documentation to ensure consistency.
Everything we present helps the judge understand how your injury has affected your ability to work, and whether that impact is temporary or permanent. This documentation is critical, especially in cases involving public safety workers and their eligibility for enhanced retirement benefits.
Why Legal Representation Matters
While you can represent yourself at a hearing, it can put you at a significant disadvantage. Insurance companies will have legal counsel, and the process includes specific rules that must be followed. Having an attorney means having someone who understands how to present your case effectively and handle any challenges raised during the hearing.
We frequently assist clients pursuing a disability pension to ensure their workers’ comp and pension matters are managed together. Our understanding of both systems allows us to protect your benefits from multiple angles.
If you’re a public employee facing a hearing, it’s best to act early. Contact us today so we can begin preparing your case.
Focused Advocacy for Public Employees
The Law Offices of Feeley & LaRocca represents injured workers with focus and care. Whether you’re filing a claim or preparing for a hearing, we bring decades of experience. If your claim overlaps with a state pension, our team works to ensure every detail is handled correctly. For a complete view of how we support injured workers, visit our practice areas page.
Guidance You Can Count On
Workers’ compensation hearings are pivotal. What happens there can impact your finances, health, and long-term career. With the Law Offices of Feeley & LaRocca at your side, you won’t face it alone. We work with injured public employees every day—firefighters, teachers, judges, police officers—to secure the benefits they’ve earned. Contact us today to discuss how our firm can help.