New app lets workers attend their workers' comp hearings remotely
The New York State Workers' Compensation Board has introduced an Android app for injured workers and their attorneys to attend required meetings virtually. Credit: Newsday/James T. Madore
Injured workers can attend virtual hearings for their workers’ compensation cases via a new Android app, state officials said.
The state Workers’ Compensation Board has added the free Android app to an iOS app that’s been available since October 2018. The apps allow injured workers and attorneys to participate in board hearings without traveling to the hearing site.
Upon signing in, the participants stay in a cyber waiting room until the judge calls the case and the hearing begins. Participants can use other apps while waiting and will receive an alert when the hearing is about to start, even if the screen of their mobile device is off.
The apps can be used on cellphones, tablets and computers.
“We want all injured workers and other participants to have the option of attending their hearing in the manner that works best for them,” said Clarissa Rodriguez, chair of the compensation board.
The board began holding virtual hearings about 16 months ago and has since conducted more than 203,000 across the state.
Rodriguez said the board was the first in the nation to offer virtual hearings. Participants still can attend hearings in-person if they want to.
More information is available at wcb.ny.gov/virtual-hearings/
James T. Madore writes about Long Island business news including the economy, development, and the relationship between government and business. He previously served as Albany bureau chief.
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