Department Cancels Non-Emergency Comp Hearings Through April 20

Monday, March 16, 2020 | 0

The Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims on Friday announced that most workers’ compensation hearings will be canceled through April 20.

Gov. Steve Beshear on March 6 declared a state of emergency in response to the coronavirus outbreak. On Thursday, Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John D. Minton Jr. canceled all in-person appearances for civil and criminal dockets, with certain exceptions.

“In light of these actions, and to further protect the health and safety of Department of Workers’ Claims staff, administrative law judges, court reporters, attorneys and parties, all in-person benefit review conferences and hearings shall be canceled through April 20, with exceptions for emergency circumstances,” the department announced. “Administrative law judges will temporarily use telephonic or video technology for necessary proceedings.”

The department said questions can be directed to Chief Administrative Law Judge Douglas W. Gott at 270-746-7178; to the ALJ assigned to a specific case and whose contact email information is listed on the DWC website; or to a DWC specialist at 502-564-5550.