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Workers CompensationJudicial SectionIf a worker and employer have a disagreement about workers compensation benefits, the division's Judicial Unit provides a forum for promptly resolving the issue. The division has 10 administrative law judges throughout the state whose primary function is to conduct timely hearings in contested workers compensation claims, and render orders based on the facts presented, as applied to the workers compensation act. For an initial determination of benefits, preliminary hearings are set on a priority basis, and preliminary decisions are issued within 5 days of the hearing. A list of the workers compensation administrative law judges, their locations, and contact information is available online. Also available online is a listing of the counties served by each administrative law judge, a districting map showing the areas of coverage by each judge , and a survey of attorneys who practice in front of the Workers Compensation Administrative Law Judges and rated them on fairness, knowledge of the law, and courtroom decorum. To set a hearing before an administrative law judge, the worker or employer must file an application for hearing with the division. To download hearing application forms [K-WC E 1, E 2, E 3, E 4, or E 5], go to Hearings and Settlements Forms. For more information on hearing procedures, please see the Workers Compensation Practice and Procedure Guide or contact the Ombudsman Section at (800) 332-0353 or (785) 296-2996. Special administrative law judges conduct settlement hearings for the Division. A list of Special ALJ's, their locations, counties served, and contact information is available online. Court reporters produce transcripts of hearing proceedings.
Disputes over workers compensation benefits can also be resolved by mediation. The division's Mediation Section will provide a certified mediator, free of charge, to help the worker and employer reach an agreement on contested issues. Please contact the Mediation Section at (800) 332-0353 or (785) 296-0848. For additional information, download the mediation brochure [K-WC P-100] and the Workers Compensation Practice and Procedure Guide. For further information: Workers Compensation Site Map Contact Us Kansas Department of Labor |
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