Virtual Hearings: An Updated and Modernized Way to Workers’ Compensation Hearings

Traveling to a hearing site is no longer a necessity thanks to a tech-forward advancement in the judicial system, which is now rolled out across New York State by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board. Utilizing a computer with an internet connection, Virtual Hearings will allow injured workers, their attorneys/representatives, witnesses and other participants to attend hearings over a secured video conferencing platform called Cisco Webex.

Virtual Hearing Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to partake in this streamlined process, you must have:

• Access to a computer or mobile device with a camera or webcam
• An updated internet browser (Chrome Version 65 or newer, Firefox Version 52 or newer, Internet Explorer Version 11, or Safari Version 10 or newer)
• An internet connection that is at least 1-1.5 megabits per second (a hard-wired connection is preferred)
• Sleep/Standby Mode disabled and ensure your phone is not set to “Do Not Disturb”
• Cisco Webex’s software or app downloaded and installed on your device of choice

Prior To Your Hearing

48 hours before your scheduled appearance, we suggest you test your connection. To do this, visit the Test Hearing Site. If you come across any issues at this time, we ask that you contact Workers’ Compensation Board’s customer support at (844) 337-6301.

Hearing Day

On the day of your hearing, we request that you sign in thirty minutes prior to your planned time. At this time, you will be held in a virtual waiting room. If you need to step away from your computer or mobile device at any time before your hearing begins, you must mark yourself as away.

 When your hearing is about to commence, you will be prompted to connect your audio and video and join the virtual hearing room where you will connect directly with your hearing judge, your attorney/representative, and any other required participants. To get a full step-by-step guide, please visit Workers’ Compensation Board’s Representative Guide.

This updated and redesigned method has not only modernized an otherwise unchanged process but also allows ease of access to everyone involved by allowing participants to partake in the hearing from anywhere in the world.

If you are interested in learning more about Virtual Hearings and how the experienced NY Disability Law attorneys at Turley, Redmond and Rosasco can help you maximize your benefits, contact us anytime by visiting us at NYDisabilityLaw.com or calling us at (877) 693-2529. Our full-service firm has you covered and will respond within 24 hours. We’ve recovered over $250 million in the past 29 years for our clients, let us get you the justice you deserve in the time of need; we understand what you are going through and are here to help.