ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court Trials and Evidentiary Hearings

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court trials and evidentiary hearings will continue to be conducted in accordance with our May 22, 2020 administrative order and its associated news release. 

• Select this link to view the May 22, 2020 administrative order and associated news release

• Select this link to view the June 30, 2020 administrative order 

Career Opportunity: Regulatory Programs Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

The closing date for this position is July 13, 2020.

A message to attorneys regarding trials in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

Counsel: 

This email is intended as a courtesy request from me (the presiding judge) to you (the frequently practicing attorneys in our court). As you all know, trials are being conducted in traditional fashion now. In other words, trials are being held live and in person rather than by video (unless video is requested and ordered by the trial judge). 

Despite this return to live trials, things are still not normal. One challenge this court faces is access to courtrooms outside of Lincoln and Omaha. As you know, jury trials were suspended in most (if not all) counties. Counties are trying to play catch up now, leading to lack of access to some courthouses outside of Douglas and Lancaster counties. To be clear, we have been able to reserve a courtroom in some courthouses outside of Douglas and Lancaster counties, but this can vary from day to day and county to county. 

So, what I am asking of you as practicing attorneys in our court is to think about those upcoming trials you have in venues outside of Lincoln and Omaha. At least seven days before the trial date, ask yourself: 

1. Is this case ready for trial or is it clear a continuance is going to be needed? If you and opposing counsel agree that a continuance is needed, please contact the judicial assistant of the trial judge and inform her that a continuance will be requested. This saves our court time trying to find a courtroom.
2. Is my client willing to move this trial to Lincoln or Omaha if there is not a courtroom available in the county courthouse where the case is venued? Discuss this possibility with your client and opposing counsel. Please let the judicial assistant know if the parties are willing to move the trial to another county in the event there is no access to the venued courthouse. 
3. Is my client willing to move this trial to a nearby venue if there is not a courtroom available in the county courthouse where the case is venued? Discuss this possibility with your client and opposing counsel. You'll need to work with the judicial assistant to see what courthouses are available. 
4. Is my client willing to conduct the trial by video? We use Google Meet for our video platform. It's simple and the clerk will test with everyone to ensure connectivity. You will need a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone. Not all parties have to appear by video. Discuss the options with your client and opposing counsel. 

 We are trying to return our normal procedure as much as possible. In some cases, it is still not feasible. I ask for your cooperation and assistance to make this easier for everyone involved, including your clients. If you have any questions on access to county courthouses, please contact the judicial assistant or the clerk of the court. 

Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Judge Fridrich

Request for Proposal (WCC0007): Questions and Answers (Updated June 8, 2020)

An updated list of questions and answers regarding Request for Proposal WCC0007 is now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/contracting-opportunities/rfp-questions-and-answers).

Request for Proposal (WCC0007): Questions and Answers

A list of questions and answers regarding Request for Proposal WCC0007 is now available (https://www.wcc.ne.gov/home/contracting-opportunities/rfp-questions-and-answers).

NEWS RELEASE: Trials, Hearings, Filings, and Deliveries Resume at Compensation Court’s 1010 Lincoln Mall Facility

All business functions have now resumed normally at the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s 1010 Lincoln Mall facility, including trials, hearings, filings, and deliveries. However, please note we will continue to observe all pandemic-related best practices as provided in our May 22 administrative order. Please select this link to view the news release.

NEWS RELEASE: Craig Wagner named Vocational Rehabilitation Manager

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court is pleased to announce Craig Wagner as Manager of the Vocational Rehabilitation section. Craig began his work with the section on May 18, 2020. Please select this link to view the news release.