The phrase “why is my workers’ comp case going to trial” reflects a claimant’s inquiry into the escalation of their workers’ compensation claim to a formal court proceeding. This often indicates that initial attempts to resolve the claim through administrative channels have been unsuccessful, and a judge will now be required to make a final determination. For example, if an injured worker and the insurance company disagree about the extent of the injury or the appropriate medical treatment, the case might proceed to this stage.
Understanding the reasons a workers’ compensation case advances to litigation is crucial for both claimants and employers. It allows for better preparation, management of expectations, and potential exploration of alternative dispute resolution methods to avoid the time and expense of a trial. Historically, the workers’ compensation system was designed to be a less adversarial process; however, complexities and disagreements can sometimes lead to the necessity of a formal trial setting.