When you have a workers’ compensation claim going through the system, you are bound to receive a lot of mail concerning your claim’s status. Some pieces of mail you get during this time can be ignored. However, some of this mail is essential to review and understand. One of the most important documents to look out for is a workers’ compensation notice of decision.
What Is a Notice of Decision?
A notice of decision is a document issued by the administrative law judge (ALJ) that outlines their findings and conclusions following your hearing. This written record details what the judge verbally stated on the record during your hearing. In New York State, it typically takes between a few days and a week to issue a physical notice of decision after the hearing.
It is very important to review your notice of decision to ensure its contents are accurate. Ideally, this should mirror what the judge said during your hearing. In addition, it is important to note the filing date, which you should find typed in the bottom right-hand corner of the document. This date essentially starts the clock for your deadline to receive timely payment. If you were denied workers’ compensation benefits, the filing date also determines the deadline to submit your appeal should you choose to do so.
What Is a Reserved Decision?
Occasionally at or after a hearing, the ALJ isn’t ready to render a decision about your claim. For instance, the judge may need more time to review evidence or even direct parties to obtain additional evidence or submit arguments. These details will be issued through a reserved decision. Once the judge has examined all new evidence and statements, you will receive a notice of decision.
Additional Important Workers’ Compensation Documents
Aside from the notice of decision, the Workers’ Compensation Board also issues proposed decisions and administrative decisions. A proposed decision is issued in cases where a suggested resolution is offered; so long as no objections are raised within the specified timeframe, the proposed decision will become the final decision in your case. If objections are made, your claim proceeds to a formal hearing before the ALJ.
The Board issues administrative decisions during claims where a hearing has not occurred because there are no disputed issues. In these cases, the Board can finalize a case and award benefits based on available information without needing a hearing. Similarly to proposed decisions, administrative decisions are tentative and only become official findings in a claim if no party objects within the prescribed timeframe outlined in the document.
When to Work With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you receive a notice of decision, reserved decision, or other decision notice concerning your workers’ compensation case and you aren’t sure what it means, consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney. Since benefit and appeals deadlines often come quickly, it’s important to review these documents promptly. Lewis & Lewis is here to help you understand where your case stands as well as the best course of action following your decision notice.
