Can Your Employer Retaliate against You for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

When you’ve been injured on the job, you want to file an application for Workers’ Compensation benefits in a timely manner. If you are among the fortunate few, your claim will be approved without delay. For most people, though, it’s necessary to request a hearing to appeal the initial denial of a claim.

When you go to the hearing, your first impression will have a significant impact with the judge. Here are some tips to help you make the best first impression.

• Don’t be late!—Plan on arriving at least a half an hour before your scheduled hearing. You never know when unexpected contingencies arise. If you are not in the courtroom when your case is called, your appeal may be dismissed, even if you show up just a couple minutes late. Don’t give the court the idea that you don’t care about your appeal. Be there on time.
• Watch your wardrobe—A Workers’ Compensation hearing is a serious matter. Don’t come to court in yesterday’s clothes, or in cutoffs and tee shirt. You don’t have to wear a suit or a dress, but dress as if you have some respect for the court—comfortably, but not too casually. And leave the bling at home!! Gaudy jewelry and fancy watches send the wrong message.
• Be honest, responsive and humble—The judge will pay attention to what you say and how you say it. Don’t overstate your case in an attempt to win favor with the judge. The workers’ compensation insurance company will have counsel there…if you make misrepresentations, they may easily be refuted and you will lose credibility.

Contact Us

At Taylor & Boguski, we bring more than 70 years of combined legal experience to people throughout New Jersey. For a free initial consultation, contact our office online or call us at 856-200-8989.

We represent clients in Workers’ Compensation proceedings on a contingent fee basis. We won’t charge you attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your losses.