Office of
Administrative Courts

Workers' Compensation Frequently Asked Questions

Index

This information is provided as a courtesy; it does not represent legal advice. If you are unsure about how to apply this information, you should use your own judgment or that of your attorney.

General Questions

Getting a Hearing

• How do I file an Application for Hearing? 
• Besides an Application for Hearing, what forms will I need? 
• Where will my hearing be held? 
• When setting a hearing, are the 100 days calculated from the setting date or the certificate of mailing date? 
• When do the available hearing dates get updated? 
• Why don't parties get to choose a date for an expedited hearing? 
• Why do Prehearing ALJs say a hearing date is available, but then OAC tells us that date is not available? 
• What is the trailing docket? 
• How do I get a case set on a nontrailing docket? 
• I live out of state and cannot be there. Can I have my hearing by telephone? 
• Is there a way to settle the issues without a hearing? 

Getting Ready for a Hearing

• Do I need an attorney?
• Can you give me the name of an attorney who can take my case? 
• My attorney doesn't answer my telephone calls. May I get a new attorney? 
• What should I know about the law and procedural rules? 
• What kind of evidence will I need for the hearing? 
• How do I get records? 
• What is "Discovery?" 
• How do I get a witness to come to the hearing? 
• If I file a motion, when will it be granted? 
• What can I do if I am not receiving orders faxed to me? 
• May I just talk privately to the judge about my case? 
• What is a CIS? 

The Hearing

• What will happen at the hearing? 
• Which side goes first in presenting the evidence? 
• Do I need to dress up for the hearing? 
• Who will be at the hearing? 
• Is it OK to bring letters instead of witnesses? 
• If I forget something, can I send it to the judge later? 
• What if I need an interpreter? 
• Will the hearing location be accessible to people with disabilities? 
• What if I can't be there on the day set for the hearing? 
• What happens if I don't go to the hearing?
• How long will my hearing take? 
• How long will the judge take to make a decision after my hearing? 

Appealing

• What if I don't agree with the decision of the judge? 
• How do I get a copy of the transcript of the hearing? 
• Do I have to pay for a copy of a transcript? 
• How much will a transcript cost? 
• How long will it take to get a transcript? 
• I have received my transcript, but I did not receive a Notice and Briefing Schedule. Why not? 
• I have received my transcript, but it contains "inaudibles" or other errors that affect the meaning of the testimony. What can I do? 
• How do I cancel a transcript request? 
• Are the hearings and records in my case confidential?