ALJ Elwin Reappointed for Seven-Year Term

The Workers’ Compensation Board appoints Administrative Law Judges to conduct formal hearings. Formal hearings are scheduled after a petition is filed. At the hearing stage, the parties exchange information, including medical reports, and answer discovery questions relating to a claim. The parties also file a “Joint Scheduling Memorandum” which lists the witnesses who will testify and estimates the hearing time needed. At the formal hearing, witnesses for both sides testify and, usually, documentary evidence is submitted. In most cases, the parties are represented either by an attorney or a worker advocate. Following the hearing, position papers are submitted and the Administrative Law Judge issues a final written decision.

Judge Elizabeth Elwin was reappointed for a seven-year term. Judge Elwin is one of 8 Administrative Law Judges with the Maine Workers’ Compensation Board. She hears cases in formal hearings from the Augusta Regional Office. Judge Evelyn Knopf also hears cases in that Regional Office. The remaining Administrative Law Judges include David Hirtle, Tom Pelletier, Glen Goodnough and Tim Collier, Sue Jerome and Mike Stovall. These other Judges hear cases in Bangor, Caribou, Lewiston and Portland, respectively.