News

April 03, 2020

At Wiedner & McAuliffe, we want you to know that there are opportunities to resolve and close open cases during these uncertain times. The Missouri and Kansas Workers’ Compensation Divisions have scaled back settings, but there are still things we can do to keep some cases moving:

• Approval of Stipulations by email.
  • The Missouri Division of Workers’ Compensation will accept settlement stipulations by email and turn around for approval has been quick.

• Mediations by phone or video conference.
  • The St. Louis, St. Charles, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City and Kansas City offices of the Missouri Division are conducting mediations by phone. These mediations are an opportunity to resolve claims in uncertain times, particularly for injured workers. The Division locations in Southwest Missouri will be moving to phone mediations as well.

• Pro se settlements by phone.
  • The St. Louis, St. Charles, Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Joplin, and Springfield offices will approve pro se stipulations by phone. We can schedule these quickly.
  • The Kansas Division of Workers’ Compensation has continued their policy of allowing all settlement hearings by phone.

• Depositions by phone.
  • Court reporters have adapted to depositions by video conference or telephone.  Our offices are equipped to do so as well. This will allow us to continue moving claims to resolution and reduce travel expenses.

• Hearings by phone or videoconference.
  • The Kansas Division announced it will continue to hold as many hearings and settings as possible by phone or videoconference.

While the current situation is far from ideal, we believe it presents an opportunity to move cases to closure. Wiedner & McAuliffe is committed to working with you to handle your litigation needs under these unique circumstances.