Who must sign the form and how?

The preparer or counsel typically signs to certify the completeness of disclosures; include printed name, title, and date. If submitting electronically, use an e-signature that meets ESIGN criteria and retain the audit trail.

Can medical records containing PHI be submitted electronically?

Yes, but handle PHI under HIPAA rules. Ensure any vendor handling protected health information has a signed BAA and that transmissions use encrypted channels to maintain confidentiality.

What happens if an exhibit is missing at hearing?

Missing exhibits can be excluded or subject to a Board ruling. Timely cure often requires a motion or stipulation; repeated failures increase the risk of sanctions or adverse inferences.

Is a notary or witness usually required?

Not typically required for all parts of a readiness form, but state or Board-specific rules may require notarization or witness attestations for certain filings—confirm local requirements in New York.

How should I serve the opposing party?

Serve per Board rules—commonly by electronic service where authorized or by mail. Keep proof of service with dates and delivery method to demonstrate compliance with service deadlines.

What if I discover new evidence after filing?

Promptly disclose new evidence to opposing counsel and the Board, explaining its relevance. Late evidence may require a motion or stipulation and can risk exclusion if prejudicial or unnecessarily delayed.

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New York Workers' Compensation Hearing Readiness Form

New York Workers' Compensation Hearing Readiness Form

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

State of New York Workers' Compensation Board

THIS AGENCY EMPLOYS AND SERVES PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION.

WCB CASE NO.(S)

DATE(S) OF ACCIDENT

CLAIMANT (PLEASE PRINT)

CARRIER CASE NO

CARRIER CODE

CARRIER (Please Print)

EMPLOYER (Please Print)

OTHER PARTY-IN-INTEREST (Please Print)

INSTRUCTIONS: COMPLETE THIS FORM AND FILE WITH THE BOARD AND SERVE UPON ALL PARTIES IN INTEREST WITHIN 20 DAYS AFTER CASE IS ORDERED TRANSFERRED TO THE SPECIAL PART FOR EXPEDITED HEARINGS.

THE FOLLOWING ARE THE UNRESOLVED ISSUES IN THIS CASE:

CHECK ONE:

I AM READY FOR A HEARING BEFORE A WC LAW JUDGE.

I AM NOT READY FOR A HEARING BEFORE A WC LAW JUDGE. DETAIL BELOW

WHAT FURTHER INVESTIGATION IS NECESSARY AND WHY SUCH INVESTIGATION HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED.

PARTY (Please Print)

Signature

Date

SEE IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE REVERSE.

Section 300.34 Special part for expedited hearings.

This rule is promulgated pursuant to the requirements of paragraph (d) of subdivision 3 of section 25 of the Workers' Compensation Law with regard to the special part for expedited hearings for cases in which the issues have not been resolved within two years after such issues have been raised before the Board, or if multiple claims arise from the same accident or occurrence, or if all parties agree to an expedited hearing, or if the chair otherwise deems it necessary.

(a) If, in any case, the issues have not been resolved within two years after such issues have been raised before the board, or if multiple claims arise from the same accident or occurrence, or if all parties agree to an expedited hearing, or if the chair otherwise deems it necessary, the chair or a person designated by the chair, on his or her own motion, or on motion of any party in interest, may order that the case be transferred to a special part for expedited hearings. Cases transferred to this special part shall be heard by a Workers' Compensation Law Judge assigned to this part.

(b) Each party in interest shall, within 20 days after the order of transfer has been made, file with the board and serve upon all other parties in interest a concise statement of all unresolved issues, and either a statement that such party is ready for a hearing before a Workers' Compensation Law Judge or a statement detailing what further investigation is necessary and why such investigation has not been completed.

(c) Hearings in the special part for expedited hearings:

(1) shall be conducted by a Workers' Compensation Law Judge assigned to this part;

(2) shall be scheduled in such a manner so that, where appropriate, any and all outstanding issues may be addressed at one hearing; and

(3) shall, if practicable, be held at the district office where the case file is located and maintained; and

(4) shall be scheduled within 30 days after the order of transfer.

(d) Every attorney, licensed representative, or authorized representative of a carrier or self-insured employer who appears in proceedings in the special part for expedited hearings shall be familiar with the facts of the case, the documents filed or to be filed, and the applicable law, and shall have the authority to negotiate and settle any and all outstanding issues, including authority to limit any issue previously raised, subject to the provisions of section 300.5 and 300.36 of this Part.

(e) Except in case of an emergency, no case placed on a trial calendar in the special part for expedited hearings shall be adjourned or continued except upon approval by the Workers' Compensation Law Judge. Any party seeking to adjourn or continue the case shall file a written request stating the reasons for such adjournment or continuance with the Workers' Compensation Law Judge. If the adjournment or continuance is approved by the Workers' Compensation Law Judge, the case shall be rescheduled as soon as practicable, but no later than 30 days following such adjournment or continuance. If the adjournment or continuance is denied, the case shall be decided on the record as it stands.

(f) If, after reviewing the request for an adjournment or continuance, the Workers' Compensation Law Judge determines that the request for an adjournment or continuance is not an emergency and is frivolous, a penalty shall be imposed as follows:

(1) If the request is made by a carrier or employer, $1,000 payable to the board. If such carrier or employer is represented by an attorney or licensed representative who is not an employee of the carrier or employer, the attorney or licensed representative shall be responsible for the payment of such penalty.

(2) If the request is made by a claimant who is represented by an attorney or licensed representative, $500 payable to the board. Such penalty shall be paid directly by the attorney or licensed representative and shall not come out of the claimant's award.

(3) No penalty shall be imposed on an unrepresented claimant who requests an adjournment or continuance.

(g) Orders or directions made by a Workers' Compensation Law Judge in the special part for expedited hearings, pursuant to paragraph (d) of subdivision 3 of section 25 of the Workers' Compensation Law and this section, except a determination of accident or occupational disease, notice, and causal relationship or a monetary award, shall be interlocutory and shall not be reviewable by the Board under section 23 of the Workers' Compensation Law until the conclusion of the trial and the resolution of all outstanding issues.

(h) This section, as amended, shall take effect January 1, 1997, and shall apply to all new claims filed after such date.

C-300.34 (10-97) Reverse

What the New York Workers' Compensation Hearing Readiness Form Is

The New York Workers' Compensation Hearing Readiness Form documents the facts, exhibits, witnesses, and pre-hearing disclosures needed to prepare for a Workers' Compensation Board hearing in New York. It organizes claimant and employer details, medical records, vocational evidence, and requested relief so parties and the judge can assess readiness and scheduling.

Why a Hearing Readiness Form Matters

A complete readiness form reduces scheduling conflicts, clarifies contested issues, and helps the administrative law judge decide whether a hearing is ready to proceed.

Who Typically Prepares and Reviews This Form

The form is prepared by the party who requests readiness or by counsel on a claimant's or employer's behalf.

Claimant or claimant counsel — provides injury details and medical exhibits.
Employer or carrier representative — lists defenses, surveillance, and IME reports.
Treating providers or vocational experts — supply medical and vocational evidence summaries.

All listed parties should verify contact details and exhibit numbering before submission to avoid delays.

Core Sections to Include on a Professional Readiness Form

A thorough form groups essential elements so the Board and opposing party can review readiness at a glance.

Case Identifiers

Board claim number, file index, parties' names, and counsel contact details for docketing and notices.

Issue Summary

Clear, concise statement of contested issues (medical causation, wage loss, permanency, apportionment) for hearing focus.

Exhibit List

Numbered list of medical records, IME reports, vocational reports, payroll, and other documentary evidence planned for admission.

Witness List

Names, affiliations, expected testimony topics, and estimated direct testimony time for each in-person or remote witness.

Stipulations & Motions

Agreed facts, unresolved motions, and any outstanding discovery or admissibility disputes needing pre-hearing rulings.

Hearing Logistics

Preferred dates, remote or in-person status, interpreter requests, length estimate, and special accommodations.

Stepwise Checklist to Prepare and File the Form

Use this sequence to gather documents, confirm evidence, and submit a ready form to the Board and opposing parties.

01

Gather Records: Collect treating records, IME, payroll, and billing records.
02

Number Exhibits: Assign exhibit numbers; create an exhibit index.
03

List Witnesses: Add witness names, topics, and estimated time.
04

Submit Copy: File with Board and serve opposing counsel per directions.

How to Configure an Online Readiness Workflow

Set up digital fields and routing to mirror the Board's requirements and your internal review steps.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Use email + SMS code or stronger methods where required
Routing Order	Specify signer sequence: preparer -> counsel -> submitter
Conditional Fields	Show medical upload prompt only if 'medical exhibits' selected
Save & Resume	Enable resume for multi-step evidence collection

Typical Submission Flow for Hearing Readiness

Follow this process to ensure the Board and opposing parties receive an organized submission.

Prepare Packet: Assemble form, exhibits, and witness list.
Internal Review: Counsel verifies accuracy and signatures.
File with Board: Submit per Board electronic or paper rules.
Serve Opposing Party: Deliver courtesy copy and proof of service.

Technical Options for eSubmission and Signatures

Choose a platform that supports the file formats, signer authentication, and audit trails required for Board filings.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX widely accepted
Integrations: Works with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods available

Ensure the chosen process preserves timestamps, signer attribution, and a tamper-evident record suitable for Board review.

Common Timelines and Pre-Hearing Deadlines

Timelines vary by Board calendar and judge. The following are common pre-hearing milestones to track.

Hearing Scheduling Window:

Judge schedules hearing date once readiness is confirmed

Exhibit Exchange:

Often due 5–14 days before hearing depending on judge

Witness Lists:

Typically required 7–14 days prior to hearing

Motions & Objections:

File any pre-hearing motions at least 7 days prior

Adjournment Requests:

Submit promptly; late requests are less likely to be granted

Key Milestones from Preparation to Hearing

A sequential view of the most common preparation milestones helps coordinate parties and providers.

01

Document Collection

Gather all medical, payroll, and billing records for review

02

Exhibit Indexing

Number and describe each exhibit for clarity

03

Pre-Hearing Service

Serve opposing counsel and file proof with the Board

04

Hearing Appearance

Attend at scheduled date, ready with exhibits and witnesses

Common Preparation Pitfalls to Avoid

Incomplete exhibit indexing that forces ad hoc identification and delays admission.
Mismatched party names or claim numbers that result in administrative processing errors.
Late witness disclosures that trigger continuances or prevent testimony at hearing.
Uploading unreadable PDFs or missing page ranges in medical records, reducing evidentiary value.

Consequences of Incorrect or Incomplete Submissions

Hearing Delay: Missed deadlines can cause adjournments

Evidence Exclusion: Unserved exhibits may be excluded

Sanctions: Board may impose procedural sanctions

Cost Shifts: Adverse rulings can increase litigation costs

Reputational Risk: Repeated procedural errors harm credibility

Additional Filings: You may need to refile corrected material

Security and Compliance Considerations for Electronic Submission

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit

Data at Rest: AES-256 encryption

HIPAA: BAA available for PHI

ESIGN / UETA: Compliant for legal enforceability

Audit Trail: Detailed timestamps and IP logs

SOC 2 / ISO: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certified

Practical Examples of Readiness Submissions

Two representative scenarios show how a form organizes facts and evidence for efficient hearings.

Occupational Injury Claim

A claimant compiles treating notes, an MRI report, and payroll verification

Employer submits IME and surveillance summary
The judge used the exhibit index to admit records quickly and kept the hearing to one day because disclosure was complete.

Repetitive Stress Dispute

A file lists repetitive exposure dates and vocational expert report

Employer raises apportionment and job history objections
Clear witness topics and timely service allowed focused testimony and limited continuances.

Practical Tips to Complete the Form Accurately and Efficiently

Adopt consistent labeling, confirm dates, and verify service to reduce the risk of excluded evidence or continuances.

Use Consistent Identifiers

Use the Board claim number and identical party names across all documents to prevent administrative misfiling and to connect exhibits to the right case.

Create a Clear Exhibit Index

Number exhibits sequentially, provide short descriptions, and include page ranges so the judge and opposing counsel can locate relevant materials quickly during the hearing.

Confirm Witness Availability

Obtain witness confirmations early with expected direct testimony time and arrange remote access or interpreter services as needed to avoid delays or last-minute adjournments.

Preserve Audit Trails

When using electronic submission and signatures, retain the platform audit trail showing signer identity, timestamps, and IP addresses for admissibility and chain-of-custody purposes.

eSignature Vendor Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Comparison of common vendor starting prices and key capabilities relevant to document preparation and secure signature collection.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies by plan	Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About the Readiness Form

Answers to common procedural and technical questions encountered when preparing and submitting the form.

Need help? Contact support

Who must sign the form and how?
The preparer or counsel typically signs to certify the completeness of disclosures; include printed name, title, and date. If submitting electronically, use an e-signature that meets ESIGN criteria and retain the audit trail.
Can medical records containing PHI be submitted electronically?
Yes, but handle PHI under HIPAA rules. Ensure any vendor handling protected health information has a signed BAA and that transmissions use encrypted channels to maintain confidentiality.
What happens if an exhibit is missing at hearing?
Missing exhibits can be excluded or subject to a Board ruling. Timely cure often requires a motion or stipulation; repeated failures increase the risk of sanctions or adverse inferences.
Is a notary or witness usually required?
Not typically required for all parts of a readiness form, but state or Board-specific rules may require notarization or witness attestations for certain filings—confirm local requirements in New York.
How should I serve the opposing party?
Serve per Board rules—commonly by electronic service where authorized or by mail. Keep proof of service with dates and delivery method to demonstrate compliance with service deadlines.
What if I discover new evidence after filing?
Promptly disclose new evidence to opposing counsel and the Board, explaining its relevance. Late evidence may require a motion or stipulation and can risk exclusion if prejudicial or unnecessarily delayed.

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