What are the possible outcomes of a workers’ compensation hearing?

The possible outcomes of a workers’ compensation hearing include acceptance, denial, or modification of benefits. This encompasses a range of decisions that can be made based on the evidence presented during the hearing.

When a claim is accepted, the worker is granted the benefits they are seeking, which may include medical treatment costs, wage loss benefits, and rehabilitation services. A denial occurs when the claim is found not to meet the necessary criteria for benefits, meaning the worker won't receive any compensation. Modification of benefits refers to situations where the original decision may be altered, which could involve changing the extent or type of benefits provided based on new information or changes in the worker’s condition.

Understanding these possible outcomes is essential for both employees and employers, as it highlights the process and range of decisions that can arise following a workers' compensation hearing, contributing to a resolution of disputes regarding claims. Other options, such as compulsory settlements or immediate payments, do not accurately reflect the breadth of outcomes possible from the hearing process itself, as these scenarios are not standard resolutions determined directly by the hearing.