Unemployment Hearing Employee Lawyer Philadelphia
Call: (215)-799-9990
We are enduring an especially difficult economic climate right now, and, unfortunately, a very real consequence of a generally bad economy is that people will lose jobs. Losing your job is tremendously burdensome economically for most people. However, losing your job does not mean that you will be without any source of income. When your job is terminated, or you are let go without any fault of your own, you will, in the majority of cases, be entitled to unemployment benefits. There are a number of ways to apply for unemployment benefits, including online, via phone, or in person. Once you do this, you will either be granted benefits, or your employer will dispute the claim. If the latter happens, you will need to file a Petition for Appeal within fifteen days of the determination’s mailing to you. It is essential that you do so within this time period. If you require assistance either petitioning for an appeal or at the hearing itself, you should contact counsel quickly. Call The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. to speak to one of our employment law lawyers about your situation.
What Happens at an Unemployment Hearing?
Once you have filed a timely Petition for Appeal, your case will be assigned to a referee. For the purpose of this hearing, the referee – rather than a judge – will decide whether to grant or deny your Unemployment Compensation Benefits. Both you and your former employer will have the opportunity to present your position at the hearing. Do not be confused by the absence of a judge with respect to this hearing; you will still need to make legal arguments, and follow appropriate legal procedure, as the referee will serve the same role as the ultimate finder of fact. While a lawyer is not required, you should strongly consider retaining counsel. The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. can help you prepare for your hearing by gathering and organizing material information, presenting a legal argument on your behalf, making objections to inappropriate evidence or statements by your former employer/opposing counsel, and cross-examining witnesses.
The referee will not make a final determination at the conclusion of the hearing, rather you and your former employer will receive notice of their decision in the mail at some point in the weeks following your hearing. Either party may appeal an unfavorable decision to be heard by the Unemployment Compensation Board of Review. As with the initial appeal, an appeal must be made within fifteen days of the decision’s mailing. Again, securing counsel for this hearing is advisable.
Unfortunately, jobs are hard to come by. Who knows when you will secure satisfactory employment? You are entitled to these benefits, and owe it to yourself to fight for them, should it prove necessary. Call The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C. today to Schedule A Free Consultation. We will get you the results you deserve.