Millions of American workers suffer workplace injuries every year, and it is the job of employers to ensure that injured workers get the necessary treatments and compensation. But what if you sustain a workplace injury or illness and your employer is not forthcoming with compensation? That might be the right time to get suitable legal counsel to pursue your case.
However, most workers forgo this option and opt to handle their cases on their own. While it’s not stated by law that you must get a lawyer to handle such cases, employing a legal professional with experience in workers’ compensation claims can help you get the workers’ compensation settlement you deserve.
In such cases, you’d most likely be going head-to-head with your employer’s insurance attorney who is most likely experienced in denying worker settlements. So, it might be in your best interest to get a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer to do the heavy lifting for you. This article discusses who a workers’ compensation lawyer is, their benefits, and if and when you should hire one.
What is a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
A workers comp lawyer specializes in providing legal services to employees who sustain workplace injuries or illnesses and ensure they receive due care and compensation. These lawyers are well-versed in state statutes regulating workers’ compensation and provide legal insight into your case.
A good workers’ compensation lawyer analyzes every part of the case to ensure that their clients receives appropriate settlements and continue to receive them if need be. A reliable workers’ compensation lawyer will secure witness statements, doctor reports, and other necessary paperwork to prove that you deserve the highest possible compensation for your injuries or illness.
When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
There are plenty of instances where employees chose to pursue their compensation cases by themselves and lost or received way less compensation than they deserved. This is why it is important to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you sustain an injury or contract an illness at work. Bear in mind that hiring a lawyer might not be essential if your employer is forthcoming about compensation, or when your injuries are minor. However, in many cases, you’ll most likely need the services of an experienced lawyer. Here are a few instances that indicate that you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.
- You sustained severe injuries that led to a long-term condition or permanent disability.
- Your employer’s insurance company refuses to cover your medical bills for the injuries sustained.
- You don’t have sufficient medical evidence to support your claim.
- Your employer denies that the incident happened at the workplace.
- If you’ve been offered a settlement that doesn’t cover medical bills and lost wages.
- Your employer takes actions against you, like terminating your employment or demoting you.
- You have an underlying health condition.
- Your employer is dragging out the claim process unnecessarily.
- Your claim is denied by your employer’s insurance company.
Other issues could also make filing claims a bit more complicated, therefore warranting the skills of a legal expert. If you sustain minor injuries like superficial bruises, or you have underlying illnesses that were aggravated by a workplace accident, you may not need to hire a lawyer, however, it’s best to consult with a lawyer to know how to proceed.
What Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do For Me?
A good workers’ compensation lawyer will speak to the insurer, obtain all the necessary medical evidence, and try to secure a favorable workers compensation settlement for you.
A good workers’ compensation lawyer will help develop and gather evidence from your healthcare provider and negotiate settlement agreements. They will provide accurate documentation to prove the extent of your injuries, your overall medical expenses, and lost wages.
An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer understands how insurance lawyers think and operate and should be able to tilt the scales in your favor. A workers’ comp lawyer will also represent you at a hearing or trial if need be. If you have third-party claims, a lawyer would also provide expert advice on how you should proceed.