Case Backlog Growing in States That Haven't Embraced Virtual Hearings

In states that have shut down most hearings and mediations because of the coronavirus — and have not moved wholeheartedly to teleconferences and video proceedings — injured workers are facing delays that may take months to adjudicate, attorneys said. “There's a big backlog of cases now and it's a problem, a real problem,” said Andrew Reinhardt, a Virginia claimants' lawyer. On the other hand, some states that were early adopters of virtual hearings, New York and Florida in particular, have seen few delays. Some claims disputes are proceeding even more smoo...