Opened my mailbox today and found a letter saying I have a workers’ comp hearing scheduled for next month and my stomach just dropped. I didn’t even realize things had gotten to that point. My claim has been open for about eight months now for a hand injury and I thought everything was moving along okay, but apparently the insurance company is disputing whether I need the surgery my doctor recommended. I’ve never been to anything like this before and I’m not really sure what to expect or how to prepare. Do I just show up and explain my side? Do I need to bring medical records or witness statements or anything? I know I should probably have someone with me who knows how these things work but I’m also stressed about the cost because money has been tight since I’ve been out of work. I’ve been trying to find a workers comp attorney serving New Paltz that might at least do a consult to tell me what I’m walking into because I don’t want to show up there looking clueless while the insurance company has their lawyers all ready to go. If anyone has been through a hearing before I’d really appreciate knowing how it went and if it’s as intimidating as it sounds.
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