Legal Question in Workers Comp in Arizona

Re: Hearings. what uaualy happens at the first hearing.

At the Industrial Commission, the first hearing usually only includes testimony from the injured worker (the "Applicant") and any non-expert witnesses that have been requested by the parties. If you or the other side are going to have doctors testify, the judge will hold "further hearings" for them individually, and that process may take many weeks or even months.

At the first hearing, if you are unrepresented, the judge will ask you some basic questions, and then give you a chance to state your position. Because I do not know what your case is about, I cannot give you any details about the "elements" of a claim for benefits. Some injured workers do successfully represent themselves at Industrial Commission hearings, but the other side is always represented by an attorney, so you should try to get one of your own, if possible.

I offer free, no-obligation consultation calls to see if I can help you. Call me on either my Phoenix or toll-free 800 number.