North Carolina Industrial Commission Will Start In-Person Hearings in Workers’ Compensation Cases on October 1, 2021

By Vernon Sumwalt

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Firm News

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Last Modified on Aug 03, 2021

Deputy Commissioner hearings will be conducted in-person, unless the Deputy Commissioner grants a video conference hearing upon the parties’ showing of “good cause.” The Commission did not give any guidance on what would make “good cause” or not.

The Full Commission will conduct in-person hearings unless both parties consent to a video conference hearing. The election to consent will appear on a revised Joint Certification form that will accompany the transcript and Form 44 in workers’ compensation appeals to the Full Commission. The Full Commission may also accommodate requests to participate by telephone.

For all in-person hearings, the Commission will follow local county safety protocols for COVID-19 for the buildings in which the hearings will be held. The Full Commission will follow the protocols set by Wake County courts, unless otherwise ordered.