Do You Need Workers’ Comp Lawyers?
Have you been involved in an accident at work? Are you wondering if you need workers’ comp lawyers on your side?
Believe it or not, getting the money you need to get back on your feet after an accident involves more than just filing workers’ comp claims. While that might be enough in some cases, other instances require the help of professionals with expertise in workers comp law.
Here’s when you may need to get an attorney on your side.
- Your Injury Is More Serious
Some injuries that happen on the job are minor and require simple medical attention. You may have sprained your ankle or got a cut that needed some stitches.
In other cases, however, your injury could be more severe and require ongoing medical attention. A work-related injury could require emergency care, hospital stays, or surgery. You may also need doctor’s visits, physical therapy, or medications in order to continue recovering.
Sometimes, the settlement you get from your worker’s comp claim isn’t enough to cover all of the medical bills associated with your injury. Or you may be out of work for a time and need more money to cover lost wages. If this is the case, you’ll want to call a qualified attorney such as those at DavidAylor.com to help you recover the funds you need to heal and get back on your feet.
- Your Claim Is Denied
In some cases, your claim may actually get denied by your employer, or you may not receive your benefits by the time you need them. Your employer may say that you filed a claim too late, or that your injury didn’t really happen at work.
If you have a legitimate injury from your job that requires immediate medical attention, you may need to contact an attorney. They can help you file the appeals paperwork that you can present at your hearing.
- Your Company Retaliates
In some cases, your company may retaliate against you for filing a claim. They could demote you, reduce your hours, or even lower your hourly wages. You may even be terminated.
This type of retaliation violates public policy. It will require you to get the help of a qualified professional to combat this type of response.
- You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
A pre-existing condition, such as an old back injury, could sometimes get used as an excuse by your employer to deny your benefits.
If, however, you got injured at work, a pre-existing condition shouldn’t preclude you from getting the benefits you need. You’ll need the help of a workers’ comp attorney to help you sort out the fine print.
- A Third Party Was the Cause of Your Injury
In some cases, you may actually have a claim against a third party. For example, you may have gotten injured by a defective piece of machinery and the fault lies with the manufacturer.
These cases involve civil claims and could actually result in larger settlements. You’ll need a workers’ comp lawyer to walk you through the process.
- You’re Getting Other Government Benefits
If you’ve been injured, you may be receiving other government benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI.) These can be reduced if you begin to get workman’s compensation benefits.
The right personal injury attorney can help to minimize the amount you lose from other benefits once you’re eligible for workman’s comp.
- You Disagree With Your Employer Over Whether or Not You Can Work
The severity of your injury has the potential to keep you out of work. A serious back injury, for example, may render you immobile for some time.
Your employer, however, could claim that you have the ability to return to work with modified duties. This could allow them to reduce the benefits they pay you in for lost wages.
If there is a dispute about your ability to return to work, you’ll want to get a worker’s comp attorney on your side who can argue your side of the story in an intelligent way.
Finding Qualified Workers’ Comp Lawyers
Your personal injury case is important, and you won’t want to trust it to just anyone. Before you hire an attorney, you’ll want to do a little research.
Make sure you choose a local attorney, as you’ll be traveling to their office several times during the course of your case. These professionals will also have intimate knowledge of the laws and regulations in your area. You’ll also want to check out online reviews and see what former clients are saying.
Many attorneys offer free consultations that give you an opportunity to assess whether or not you have a case. It also gives you a chance to review whether or not you’ve found the right attorney.
Ask your attorney what percentage of their caseload is dedicated to personal injury law. Can they give an example of a case similar to yours that they won? What was their strategy?
Ask about your lawyer’s payment structure and make sure you know what you’ll be responsible for before you hire them. In many cases, they’ll receive a fixed percentage of the settlement or judgment that you’re awarded. The right attorney will be willing to put this in writing before they’re hired.
Moving On
In some cases, a workplace injury will require you to fill out a few forms. In others, however, you’ll need the help of skilled workers’ comp lawyers to get the funds you need to recover and resume your life. With the right professional on your side, you can get the right amount of compensation in a reasonable amount of time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your legal rights now. For more excellent legal advice, read our blog today.
