What Is A Control Date In Court?

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What Is A Control Date In Court?

Michigan workers’ comp lawyer explains the purpose of a control date and why you should not worry about this court appearance.

Many of our clients get nervous when a control date in court has been scheduled. It is usually the first substantive court appearance after pre-trial. We tell our clients not to worry and explain that several control dates are needed before their case will be settled.

What is a control date in court?

A control date in court is a court hearing where both sides appear before the magistrate to discuss scheduling and legal issues. Attendance is generally not required if represented by a lawyer. It takes about five minutes, and no final decision will be made.

Below are some of the items that will be accomplished during this first substantive court appearance after pre-trial. Please remember that every case is unique, and it is best to speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer about your own situation.

Exchange of medical and employment records

Workers’ comp cases typically involve a dispute about medical causation and disability. Did a workplace accident cause a current medical problem? Is the employee disabled from working? These important questions must be resolved through medical and vocational evidence.

Medical records are frequent exchanged at the control date in court. The insurance company must provide all medical records in its possession including the independent medical examination (IME). Wage and employment records should also be provided by the employer or its attorney. The Work History, Work Qualifications & Training Disclosure Questionnaire (Form WC-105A) and Employer Disclosure Questionnaire (Form WC-105B) should be exchanged.

Provide a status update to the magistrate

Attorneys are expected to give the magistrate an update. It is common to have a scheduling order that sets deadlines for joining parties, exchanging medical, providing documents, setting up IMEs, taking depositions, and facilitation. The magistrate will want to know where the parties stand with these items.

The control date court appearance after pre-trial gives both sides the chance to discuss scheduling and legal issues with the magistrate. It is not uncommon to have a 6 or more of these meetings before a case is set for trial. They typically occur every 45-60 days. Do not worry if not much happens in the beginning stage of the case.

Discuss settlement

Workers’ comp cases are resolved in several different ways. The insurance company might decide to pay benefits on a voluntary basis. It is also likely that a lump sum cash payment will be offered for settlement. Trial is the last and final option.

This first substantive court appearance after pre-trial allows both sides the opportunity to discuss resolution without making any firm commitments. It may be discovered that the insurance company has surveillance video of activities. The employer might also decide to offer a job within restrictions. Information provided will give your lawyer an idea about settlement value and best course of action.

Injured on the job in Michigan? Call now, our attorneys can help!

If you were injured on the job in Michigan, call now to speak with an experienced attorney, or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. There is absolutely no cost or obligation. We’re here for you.

Our attorneys have been exclusively helping injured workers in Michigan for more than 35 years. Our attorneys can help you better understand Michigan laws and what happens after someone has been hurt on the job. To see what our own clients have to say about the caring, compassion, and communication they received from us, you can read in their own words about their experience here on our testimonials page from clients we have helped.

Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 316-8033 for a free consultation today.

Related information:

How Long Do Workers’ Comp Settlements Take In Michigan: Timeline Explained

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.