Dear Dr. Comp:

I am new to the workers comp practice and have to appear at the division on a file that my boss swears is really interesting. (The other lawyers laughed when he said that. Why?) On the day of the setting, I went to the division and spent twenty-two minutes looking for my opponent. How can I find her easier next time?

Also, when we appeared in front of the legal advisor, my opponent suggested that we “C/R 90” and at the next setting maybe “bump it up to mediation” to see what the ALJ has to say. What does this mean? My opponent also asked if I was claiming PTD under the SIF and if so, where was the AAG? Please help.
 

Sincerely,

Now Earning Wages By Employee Injuries

Dear NEWBEI:

You have fallen prey to the most classic of new attorney pranks, i.e. “interesting” cases. (This also proves lawyers are not funny.) Interesting work comp cases are generally those filed prior to 1990 and involve a three level sprain to the left ear.

“C/R 90” means cannot recall ninety percent of the facts, so let's talk about this case later.

Mediation is not really that important. Go ahead and skip it.

In the future, however, simply nod your head in agreement to all abbreviations.

To find one’s opponent, I’ve heard lawyers ask about height, weight, age, suit color or hair style. These features are rarely helpful. There are always five guys with receding hair in a navy suit “over there.” LASIK has reduced the number of eyeglasses, so none of these will help. My solution is much easier. Stand in the middle of the room and yell your opponent’s name as loud as possible until she arrives or the police arrest you. Either way, mission accomplished. The case will be C/R 90’d.

/s/ The Doctor