Virtual Trial & Expedited Hearing Option to Start Next Week

The DWC and WCAB announced yesterday that beginning next Monday (August 17), WCJs will have the option of using virtual courtrooms for trials and expedited hearings. 

Judges will continue to hear all MSCs, priority conferences, status conferences, case-in-chief trials, lien conferences and expedited hearings telephonically using the system established in April and May of this year, so parties should continue to use the individually assigned judges’ conference lines on the day of trial.  However, beginning next week, the judges will have the option of conducting trials and expedited hearings through a virtual courtroom.  If that is required, the judge will provide a link to the parties allowing them to log into the video platform.

The virtual trials and hearings will use a free video platform called LifeSize. Certain system requirements will be needed to fully participate in the video option, so all parties should test drive the software by downloading it (click here) prior to a hearing where a video option may be necessary. 

The move is the latest in a series of changes the Division and the WCAB have enacted so that they can continue to hold hearings during the pandemic. Yesterday’s Newsline announcing the virtual option for trials and expedited hearings is here.

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