What is an Administrative Law Judge?

An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is a judicial officer who presides over administrative hearings and adjudicates disputes involving administrative law. ALJs are responsible for conducting hearings, making findings of fact, and issuing decisions or orders based on the evidence and applicable law. Their role often involves resolving disputes between government agencies and individuals or entities, such as in workers’ compensation cases. For example, in the context of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, ALJs issue orders and awards that may be subject to appeal or review by higher authorities.

When you file a hearing request with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your case will be assigned to an ALJ who will preside over the hearing and make a decision based on the evidence presented. They have the authority to issue orders, award benefits, and resolve disputes in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Act and other relevant laws and regulations.

An ALJ may order the employer to pay benefits, authorize medical treatment, or resolve disputes over the extent of disability or the compensability of an injury. However, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) does not have the authority to order a settlement in a workers’ compensation case. Settlements must be agreed upon by both parties, and the ALJ or the State Board of Workers’ Compensation can only review and approve the settlement once it is submitted. Both parties must agree to the terms of a settlement, and only then can the settlement documents be submitted to the Board for review and approval in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Act and Board Rules