Where Are Workers’ Comp Hearings Held in Reading and Berks County?

Workers’ comp hearings feel stressful, especially when medical bills are stacking up and the paycheck is smaller than usual. Location is one thing you can control. Knowing where to go, how to prepare, and what happens inside the room can calm the worry. Here is a clear guide to workers’ compensation hearing locations in Reading and Berks County, plus what injured workers can expect before, during, and after the hearing.

The main hearing location for Berks County cases

Most workers’ compensation hearings for Berks County take place at the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation’s Reading hearing office. It is commonly referred to as the Reading Workers’ Compensation Office of Adjudication. A Workers’ Compensation Judge, often called a WCJ, presides over your case there.

The Bureau occasionally shifts judges or office space based on caseload. So hearing rooms may rotate between floors or neighboring suites in the same building. Injured workers usually receive a Notice of Assignment and a Notice of Hearing with the address, the assigned judge, and the date. If that notice lists a different nearby city, it often means the judge covering your case sits there that day, or video hearings are planned.

If you lost your notice, call the Bureau’s Reading office or check the Workers’ Compensation Automation and Integration System, known as WCAIS. A Reading workers compensation lawyer can also confirm the room and time and share tips specific to the judge’s preferences.

Will your hearing be in person or virtual?

Since 2020, judges across Pennsylvania use both in-person and virtual formats. Berks County cases still hold many in-person hearings, especially for testimony or credibility issues, but status conferences and some testimony may run by video. Expect the judge to set the format at the first event.

For virtual hearings, test your audio, camera, and internet beforehand. Judges will ask you to treat the video room like a courtroom. That means a quiet place, no interruptions, and no coaching off camera. If technology fails, the judge may pause and reschedule. Showing up prepared avoids delays that can slow wage checks or medical approvals.

What happens at the first hearing

The first event is usually a pretrial conference, not a full trial. The judge sets deadlines and asks about medical treatment, work status, and benefits. If your employer or insurer disputes the injury or the work connection, the judge may schedule testimony from you and from doctors. Some judges in Reading prefer short status updates first, then testimony at the second or third listing. Others take your testimony right away. It depends on the judge and the dispute.

Bring your photo ID. Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to find the right room and pass through security if the building has it. Dress in clean, comfortable clothing. You do not need a suit. Speak clearly and answer the judge’s questions directly. If you do not understand a question, say so. A calm, honest tone goes far with local judges.

Local details that help on hearing day

Parking near Reading hearing sites can fill up, especially during morning calendars. Plan extra time for the garage or a street meter. Many injured workers bring a parking card or cash for meters. Buses run to downtown Reading stops within a short walk of typical hearing locations. If you use a cane, brace, or wheelchair, call the office in advance for accessibility details. Buildings that host the WCJ rooms have elevators and accessible entries, though some older lobbies can feel tight during busy hours.

Winter hearings add a wrinkle in Berks County. Snow days happen. If the county calls a weather emergency, the judge may flip to video or move your event. Check your email and WCAIS the morning of a storm. Your lawyer’s office should also send updates.

Who will be in the room

You, the judge, and a court reporter will be present. The employer’s lawyer and the insurer’s representative often attend, in person or by phone. If you have a Reading workers compensation lawyer, that lawyer speaks for you on legal issues and helps focus the testimony. Witnesses, such as a coworker or supervisor, may appear if the judge asked for them. Doctor testimony usually happens by deposition, which means a recorded interview scheduled on a different day, not live in the hearing room.

Evidence judges look for

Judges focus on core items: accident details, medical records, work restrictions, wage information, and return-to-work offers. A simple, consistent story helps. For example, “I lifted a 75-pound drum on the 3rd shift at the Reading plant on May 12, felt a pop in my low back, told my lead, then went to Tower Health Urgent Care after work.” Dates, names, and locations matter. So do job titles, shift times, and the specific tasks that triggered pain.

Pay stubs or employer wage statements anchor your average weekly wage. That number sets your benefit rate. Medical records show diagnosis, treatment, and restrictions, such as no lifting over 10 pounds or no overhead work. If light duty is offered, the judge will want to know if it matches those restrictions.

How long the process takes in Berks County

A typical litigated case in Berks County runs six to nine months from the first hearing to a judge’s decision. Some resolve in less time if the dispute is narrow, such as a billing issue or a small wage rate fix. Cases with surgery, second opinions, or multiple injuries often take longer because medical depositions stack up. Judges try to keep deadlines tight, but doctor calendars and treatment needs drive the timeline.

During that time, you may see an independent medical exam, the IME. It is a one-time evaluation by the insurer’s doctor. The judge will compare that report with your treating doctor’s records and testimony. A Reading workers compensation lawyer can often shorten delays by pushing for prompt depositions, exchanging records early, and addressing wage rate errors at the first conference.

Settlement conferences and mediation

Many Berks County judges refer cases to a voluntary mediation with another WCJ. Mediation may be in the same Reading office or by video. It is a confidential meeting to discuss settlement. If both sides reach a number, the case may close with a Compromise and Release, often called a C and R. The judge will then hold a short hearing to confirm you understand the terms. If no settlement fits, the case returns to litigation and moves to decision.

What to bring and how to prepare

A short checklist keeps the day smooth:

• Photo ID, a copy of your hearing notice, and your lawyer’s phone number
• A list of current medications and providers
• Any new medical records or work notes not yet shared
• Parking change or a payment card for the garage
• A simple timeline of your injury and treatment, with dates

Use the timeline during breaks to stay consistent. If nerves rise, breathe and speak in short sentences. Judges value clear, direct answers more than rehearsed speeches.

What if you cannot attend

Life happens. A sick child, a car that will not start, or a shift you cannot miss can collide with a hearing date. Call your lawyer right away. If you do not have a lawyer, call the judge’s secretary and explain. Judges usually grant one reasonable continuance if you ask before the calendar starts. If you miss the hearing without notice, the judge can close your case or rule based on the insurer’s evidence alone. A quick call prevents a harsh result.

Why local representation helps

Berks County has its own rhythm. Judges have distinct preferences on timing, exhibits, and testimony. Some expect paper courtesy copies of key medical records, even when uploaded to WCAIS. Others prefer a tight summary with page cites. A Reading workers compensation lawyer knows these habits and can prepare you for the judge you will meet, not a generic process. That local knowledge often saves time, reduces stress, and avoids preventable mistakes, like late exhibits or missing wage documents.

Common questions from injured workers in Reading

How do I know which judge I have? Your Notice of Assignment lists the judge. Your lawyer can look it up in WCAIS if you are unsure.

Do I have to testify? In many disputed cases, yes. The judge needs to hear your story. Testimony usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. Your lawyer will prepare you with practice questions.

What if my employer offers light duty? Bring the offer letter. If the job matches your doctor’s restrictions, refusing it can affect checks. If it does not match, workers compensation lawyer the judge will want examples, such as “the job requires standing eight hours, but my restriction is 30 minutes at a time.”

Can I bring a family member? Most judges allow one quiet supporter. Space can be tight, so ask your lawyer before the hearing.

Will I get a decision that day? Usually no. The judge issues a written decision after all evidence closes. That can take weeks, sometimes a few months, depending on the record.

Practical travel notes within Berks County

Plan your route across the Penn Street Bridge or the West Shore Bypass with traffic in mind. Morning calendars often start around 9:00 a.m., right as Reading traffic picks up. Allow extra time during school months. If you rely on Red Rose or BARTA routes, build a cushion for transfers. Keep your phone charged in case the judge’s office needs to reach you about a room change.

How a lawyer can keep benefits flowing

During litigation, benefits can stop or start based on filings. If you received a Notice of Ability to Return to Work or a Suspension petition, your lawyer can challenge it and request prompt hearings. If a Utilization Review questions treatment, your lawyer can push for timely medical proof. If wage checks are late, counsel can raise penalties. The point is simple: steady pressure and clean paperwork help protect income while you heal.

Ready to talk about your hearing?

If you have a hearing scheduled, do not go in alone. A local Reading workers compensation lawyer can review your notice, confirm the location, explain the judge’s style, and walk you through testimony. Call to set a free consultation, or send a message with your hearing date and any letters you received. Quick guidance now can prevent costly missteps later.

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice; consult with experienced lawyers for personalized guidance Attorney Advertising: The information contained on this page does not create an attorney-client relationship nor should any information be considered legal advice as it is intended to provide general information only. Prior case results do not guarantee a similar outcome.