Concord Workers’ Compensation Hearing Attorneys

Representation for Workers’ Comp Hearings in Contra Costa County

If your workers’ compensation claim was denied in Contra Costa County, initiating the appeals process will require you to thoroughly prepare for negotiations and trial-like hearings before the California Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB).

WCAB hearings are serious matters for injured workers, and their outcomes can determine whether you’ll be awarded benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost income. In matters as consequential as these, it is in your best interest to work with experienced legal counsel.

At Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers, our attorneys have extensive experience representing workers at workers’ compensation hearings across Central California. We’re backed by decades of collective experience and have the resources to take on even the toughest cases.

Have questions about a claim? Call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online to speak with a Concord workers’ compensation hearing lawyer during an initial consultation.

Steps of a Workers’ Compensation Hearing

Our Concord workers’ compensation hearing attorneys work diligently to help clients obtain favorable outcomes as early in the appeals process as possible. As such, we prepare our cases extensively and tap into resources that allow us to construct and present the strongest possible arguments.

We provide step-by-step support for every phase of the WCAB hearing process, including:

• Conciliation: The conciliation phase offers claimants an initial opportunity to negotiate a favorable outcome or settlement with the help of an attorney.
• Conference: At WCAB conferences, both sides present their arguments before a workers’ compensation judge who will then approve a case for a hearing, deny the case, or provide a middle-ground solution.
• Hearing: As the most significant phase of the process, hearings can feel like a courtroom trial where evidence and witnesses are presented. While we strive to help clients obtain solutions at the conciliation or conference phases, we prepare every case as if it will proceed to a hearing.
• Reviewing board: If either party disagrees with a hearing ruling, the case can be appealed to the Reviewing Board for a final decision. Though this step is less common, it can be an important last opportunity for claimants to state their case.

Preparing for the WCAB Hearing

Our team works closely with clients to educate them about the hearing process, their legal options, and ways to best prepare. As you embark on the journey of appealing a denied workers’ compensation claim, you can help yourself and your attorney prepare for the WCAB hearing by taking some important steps.

1. Gather and organize all medical records related to your injury.
2. Collect any unpaid medical bills that relate to the treatment of your injury.
3. Alert your attorney about any witnesses who are willing to provide testimony or statements in support of your claim.
4. Gather any other documentation, including e-mail correspondence with medical providers or your employer, that you feel may be relevant to your case.
5. Listen to your attorney and don’t be afraid to ask questions about the process and how you can help with the unique circumstances of your case.

What to Expect at a WCAB Hearing

During a typical WCAB hearing, you can expect:

• Evidence presentation: WCAB hearings offer both sides an opportunity to present evidence that supports their arguments. This evidence can take the form of medical evaluations and physician notes, testimony from experts and witnesses, and other important documents. Our attorneys will use this evidence to argue why your benefits should be provided correctly and the opposing side, often an insurance company, will use the evidence they present to support why they believe your benefits should be denied or limited.
• Courtroom disposition: Hearings before the WCAB are not your typical courtroom case, but they are similar in terms of procedures and expected professionalism. Our attorneys can help you prepare for how you should present yourself when attending a hearing and what may be expected of you while we work to secure a favorable outcome.
• Judge’s ruling: A Workers’ Compensation Judge may issue their ruling as soon as both sides have presented their arguments and the hearing has concluded. Rulings may be en banc, significant panel, panel, or pend on appellate grants. If the ruling is in your favor, you could be awarded the benefits you were initially owed, or the insurance carrier may be compelled to offer a settlement. If the ruling is out of your favor and the claim is still denied, it may be possible to pursue a further appeal.

Legal Representation for Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing

Pacific Workers', The Lawyers for Injured Workers proudly represents injured workers in all industries and in all types of cases, including those involving appeals and hearings before the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board.

If you have questions about a workers’ compensation hearing or need to discuss the next steps following a denial of your claim, don’t hesitate to request an initial consultation with our Concord attorneys. Given the time-sensitive nature of workers’ compensation appeals, our team is prepared to immediately begin working on your case.

To request a consultation, call (888) 740-6434 or contact us online.