Administrative Law Judge

There are two types of “ALJ’s”. The first type, a “merits judge”, is the trier of fact who will determine disputes issues in your worker’s compensation case if the case has to go to a hearing. There are no juries in the worker’s compensation system. For information about the powers and duties of the merits ALJ, see Section 8-43-207, C.R.S.  The second type of ALJ is a “prehearing judge” who helps the parties work out procedural issues, such as sharing of relevant information or simplifying the issues for hearing. This ALJ can also conduct settlement conferences. For information about the powers and duties of prehearing ALJ’s, see Section 8-43-207.5, C.R.S.