Why do I need a lawyer? Isn’t the Worker’s compensation judge supposed to help me?

The judge is supposed to resolve disputes over workers’ compensation. So, while the administrative law judges employed by the state are supposed to help, they are not there to advocate for you and your case. Only your lawyer will advocate for you in a proceeding or hearing, and only your lawyer will know the relevant facts and issues, so in contested cases you will likely need one on your side.