19b Petitions for Immediate Hearing
Most attorneys are honest, but not the one that represents this reader:
We had a 19b hearing. I was told by my lawyer that I don't testify at those hearings, I just wait and the lawyer tells the Judge what is going on and then the Judge makes a ruling.
That is of course 100% false. What it sounds like is that the attorney was going to meet with the Judge and the other attorney to do what is called a pre-trial. Basically each side tells their story and the Judge makes a recommendation.
You can't actually have a ruling without getting the chance to testify.
A 19b petition is known as a petition for immediate hearing. It's a great option if your workers' compensation benefits are being denied. It's not a final trial, but an opportunity to have a disputed issue resolve. It is a trial though and you as the injured worker have to be there to testify.
If your lawyer says that there is no way to take care of a problem until the case is over, ask them about filing a 19b motion. Even if you case isn't scheduled for a hearing, this motion can be filed at any time. If your case is in order a trial can happen and you can "have your day in court."
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
