Effective February 2, 2026, all injured workers and witnesses testifying in virtual hearings before the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board will be required to appear by video, with their faces fully visible on screen. Injured workers will be allowed to testify via video from home or from the office of their attorney during virtual hearings.
Background on Workers’ Compensation Virtual Hearings
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board introduced virtual hearings in 2018, which allowed participants to attend workers’ compensation proceeding from their home or office. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the New York State Workers Compensation Board conducted all hearings virtually. Today, workers’ compensation proceedings continue to be virtual, with a vast majority of appearances occurring via telephone.
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The Buffalo News Reports on $2.1 Million Settlement Obtained for Victim of Car Crash
The Buffalo News recently published a report on a $2.1 million settlement that attorney Melissa Wischerath obtained on behalf of her client, who was the victim of a car crash.
A car driven by the victim in this matter was struck by a pickup truck, which had been stolen by a group of teenagers. The teenagers were attempting to flee from an Amherst Police Officer, who was pursuing the stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed.
As reported by The Buffalo News, a lawsuit was filed against the Town of Amherst and asserted that the officer’s high-speed chase was reckless and in violation of the town’s police pursuit policy. The article notes that the Amherst Police Department’s policy states “that duty to avoid damage or injury to innocent third parties is superior to that of pursuit or emergency response.”
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Justin Ginter Presented 2025 Criminal Justice Act Award
Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria is proud to announce that Justin D. Ginter was recently named a recipient of the 2025 Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Award.
The CJA Award is presented by the U.S. District Court, Western District of New York. The award recognizes lawyers for distinguished criminal defense work on behalf of indigent defendants facing charges in federal court.
The Criminal Justice Act (CJA) is vital in helping to ensure that the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of the right to counsel is upheld for every person accused of a crime in federal court, regardless of their financial means. Attorneys who provide representation under the CJA play a crucial role in safeguarding individual rights and maintaining public confidence in federal courts’ commitment to equal justice under the law for all.
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