On March 13, 2020, the Kentucky Department of Workers' Claims announced that, except for some emergency hearings, all hearings will be cancelled through April 20, 2020. The Kentucky DWC issued the following statement:
"On March 6, 2020, Governor Beshear entered Executive Order 2020-215 and declared a State of Emergency in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency in the Commonwealth.
For the same reason, on March 12, 2020, Chief Justice Minton issued Order 2020-08 and directed that, with exception for certain emergency matters, "all in-person appearances for civil and criminal dockets shall be cancelled," in the Commonwealth's justice centers.
In light of these actions, and to further protect the health and safety of Department of Workers' Claims staff, Administrative Law Judges, court reporters, attorneys, and parties, all in-person Benefit Review Conferences and Hearings shall be cancelled through April 20, 2020, with exceptions for emergency circumstances. Administrative Law Judges will temporarily use telephonic or video technology for necessary proceedings."
Our attorneys and staff at Reminger continue to monitor these changes and will keep our clients updated as to all individual hearings impacted by this policy. This is a fluid situation and we expect further changes to occur. If you have any questions related to this policy and/or its impact on a particular claim or issue, please feel free to contact one of our workers' compensation attorneys.