Are you thinking about whether to hire a workers’ comp lawyer?
When it comes to matters involving work and injury, one of the smartest things that a worker can do is reach out to get legal advice. After all, getting workers’ compensation can be easier said than done.
If you’re injured and have to seek attention for your injury and it’s costing you money and time off of work that you could have been earning, it may be time to seek legal guidance.
If you have a case, it may be up to your company or the insurance carrier to handle it. This means that you should probably get a lawyer on your side as it is going to directly benefit you.
Should a workers’ comp attorney be your go-to? Check out these signs that show that you may need an attorney of this nature and decide for yourself.
Your place of work or its insurance company will not acknowledge that your incident happened at work– and in fact, deny it outright
You didn’t make this up, but it’s a lot more convenient for your company or the insurance carrier if they simply state that they don’t think it happened on company property or work grounds. An unreported injury or illness or disease that crops up later but started long ago may even be the green light that they need to deny that the original happened at the workplace. After all, if they would rather not pay, this is the route they may take.
Your employer is delaying addressing your claim
If you’ve been at your place of work and have been injured, the best thing to do is let your employer know as soon as possible. This way it can be reported and the company is obligated to give you the paperwork to describe what happened in addition to having to report the case to the workers’ comp board of the state as well as go to their insurance carrier to file a claim. State regulations for reporting may vary some, but the process should not extend beyond a thirty-day period.
The insurance company is denying your claim
You know your claim is legitimate, but the insurance company is not treating it as such. If you decide that you want to appeal their denial, the matter can get complicated. Legal guidance may be required, especially if things start getting less agreeable and more contentious.
You have a disability that is partial or complete that is permanent that will keep you from going back to work completely
This is a situation where you may desperately need the money to support yourself. However, because you are asking for a lot of money, the insurance companies are more likely to attempt to contest the claims. This is precisely when you should start getting in touch with a lawyer.
You’ve been advised to get treatment by a doctor, but the insurance company refuses to hand over the money for the treatment
Injuries generally need recovery time and even specialized treatment if they are to get better. Sometimes an insurance company doesn’t want to cover treatment. They may call it unnecessary simply because they don’t want to payout. If you are in need of treatment for your injury, illness, disease, or another ailment, reaching out to an attorney may be wise.
You’ve lost wages and have medical bills to pay, but the settlement you’re offered will not cover everything
Settlements will cover any outstanding past medical expenses you have incurred, as well as future medical expenses and lost wages. It is in your best interest to consult a workers’ comp lawyer to make sure that you receive a settlement that will adequately compensate you for these expenses and future benefits to which you are entitled.
You had a condition that existed before the injury and the insurance company is trying to blame it for your associated problems
You may be required to provide proof through evidence that your injury is independent of something that was preexisting. An insurance company may try to get away with not paying you by blaming a sore neck on you having neck issues prior to the incident you are claiming caused your injury. Take notes, keep track of everything and consult a lawyer if the company is attempting to claim your injury is related to any condition you already have to avoid paying out.
The place you work is treating you less favorably
They’re giving you fewer hours, leaving you off of the schedule, demoting you, firing you, or even putting the pressure on you to come back to your place of work sooner than you are ready for. An attorney can help you figure out how to handle any retaliatory actions that are in play against you and how to get what you are owed.
You’re thinking about filing for disability benefits through Social Security
SSDI benefits might be lessened when workers’ comp benefits come through. However, a lawyer might be able to help you to get any settlements structured so that the interference is minimized.
You have a third-party claim
You may want to go ahead and file a workers comp lawsuit if an outside party was responsible for your injury and not your employer. You can sue someone directly if their negligence contributed to your injury or ailment.
When should I see a lawyer about my workers’ comp?
If it’s a small injury that is going to heal up in a day or two, then skip the lawyer’s visit. But if you have a bad injury that you got at work or through your job, and things are not going well with the insurance company or your employer, then by all means it makes sense to see a lawyer. You need to get the advice that is best for you and see what benefits you will gain by hiring them or stand to lose if you are not represented.
If your situation merits a call to a workers comp attorney, then reach out and set up an appointment. They’ll inform you about this process and let you know more about what to do next. When in doubt, seek legal advice!
If you have a case and you need someone to stand up for you, a workers’ comp lawyer may be your best bet. If your case moves forward, they’ll file the paperwork, work on your case, talk to the insurance company involved, and if a settlement is reached they will help to draft it. If it goes to a hearing, then they will argue your case and try to get you a positive result.
Don’t wonder what could have been or accept a settlement proposal that is less than what you deserve. Contact a qualified workers’ comp lawyer in your area today and find out what you can do next.
