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What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' Compensation is a system created by the NJ Legislature that provides benefits to workers who are injured or who con tract an occupational disease while work ing. The law protects both the employee and the employer. Employees are entitled to receive reasonable and necessary medi cal care, temporary disability benefits dur ing the period of rehabilitation, and, when documented, benefits for permanent dis ability. Employers provide for the cost of such coverage while being protected from more expensive tort litigation and unlim ited civil verdicts for non-economic losses.

The Judge conducting the informal hearing does not represent you. These proceedings are encouraged as a means of resolving issues without resorting to more involved and lengthy formal litigation. Issues such as the amount of temporary benefits, medi cal treatment, and permanency benefits can be addressed at this hearing.

How can I file for an informal hearing?
You, your employer, or your employer's insurance carrier can request a hearing by filing an Application for an Informal Hear ing. You can obtain this form by calling (609) 292-2515 or you can download the form from our Web site: wwwnj.govllabor/ wclforms.htm. After you file, the Divi sion of Workers' Compensation will send scheduling information to you (the work er), your employer, and/or your employer's insurance company. Informal claims are typically resolved within the first or second hearing.

What can I do when there are unresolved issues between me and my employer?
When parties are unable to amicably re solve their differences over entitlement to workers' compensation benefits, the Divi sion of Workers' Compensation provides a fair and impartial forum to mediate and, if necessary, adjudicate disputes before a Judge of Compensation. One method of resolving such disputes is the informal hearing process.

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Where are the informal hearings held?
Typically, the hearings will be scheduled in a district office close to where you live or in a nearby county. You will receive notice of the hearing date, time, assigned Judge, and the address and telephone number of the hearing office approximately two weeks before the hearing date.

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What is an informal hearing?
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An informal hearing is an opportunity for you and a representative of your employer or their insurance company to meet before a Iudge of Compensation to discuss the settlement of your workers' compensation claim.

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What happens during the informal hearing?
The Judge will review your medical records and the benefits you have already received. The Judge may ask you questions about your disability and whether the injury has limited your physical activities. After a brief discussion with you and the insur ance claims representative, and based upon the information with which the Judge has been provided, the Judge will recommend a settlement amount. The Judge's recom mendation at this informal level is not a judicial decision and does not have the effect or protection of one. If everyone agrees with the recommendation, you will be asked to sign an agreement. A payment will be issued to you from your employer or their insurance carrier as soon as pos sible.

What if I cannot attend the hearing at the time it is scheduled?
Your attendance is very important and you should make every effort to be there. If you cannot attend and you must request an adjournment, you should contact the office listed on the informal hearing notice as soon as possible so that another hearing can be scheduled.

If you decide not to accept the recom mendation, you still have the right to file a formal Claim Petition within two years from the date of your injury or from the date of the last provision of benefits, whichever is later. This period of time is referred to as the Statute of Limitations.

What should I bring to the hearing?
Bring your medical records, if available, outstanding medical bills, and a record of your loss of wages, if applicable, as well as any other documentation that could be relevant to your case. Any recommenda tion made by the Judge at the Informal is based upon that information provided by the insurance company and the informa tion provided by you.

Do I need a lawyer?
You have the right to an attorney whose services may include collecting all medical records and obtaining appropriate medical evaluations so that information regarding all your residual conditions is provided to the Judge before a determination is made. The Judge of Compensation conducting the informal hearing may allow a counsel fee, where warranted, for services rendered on behalf of the worker in an amount not to exceed 10 percent ofthe worker's award. This fee shall be paid by the worker.

What if my injury gets worse or I need additional treatment after I've agreed to a settlement?
You should contact your employer or their insurance carrier with your request for treatment and/or additional benefits. If additional benefits are not provided, you have the option of filing a formal Claim Petition with the Division of Workers' Compensation. Keep in mind that a formal claim must be filed within the previously referenced Statute of Limitations.

What is the effect of the Judge's recommendation?
The suggestions made by the Judge dur ing an informal hearing are not binding on either party. You may accept the amount offered that day and still proceed through the formal process.

The New Jersey Department of Labor
and Workforce Development is an
equal opportunity employer with equal
opportunity programs. Auxiliary aids and
services are available upon request to
individuals with dlsebilities.
If you need this document in braille or
large print, call (609) 292-2515.
TTY users can contact this department
through New Jersey Relay: 7-1-1.