When Should You Hire a Workers Compensation Lawyer? Learn More Here!

Picture yourself at work, moving a stack of packed boxes to inventory when suddenly, you lose your balance, topple over, and seriously hurt yourself. If the incident left you in need of medical attention, then you could be eligible for workers’ compensation.

The workers’ compensation system is a government-mandated process set up to make it easy for workers to make a financial claim if they become injured or disabled while on the job.

If the incident was pretty straightforward, then feel free to follow up on the claim on your own. However, the process isn’t often as simple and many workers often find themselves in need of a workers’ compensation lawyer.

Keep reading to learn more about the common circumstances where you might find yourself in need of a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you.

1. When Your Claim is Denied

Some people make the assumption that collecting workers’ compensation will be an easy process. Unfortunately, no matter how excellent their work record is, enough people witnessing the accident, and even a reputable doctor treating the injury, a lot of workers’ compensation claims are often denied.

It’s only then that they consider hiring a worker’s compensation lawyer to help them with the case.

Working with a good lawyer means you’ll have a better shot at compensation because they know the ins and outs of the process. For instance, a lawyer will know what evidence to collect and how to use it to win the case.

2. When the Claim Isn’t Sufficient

The reality of the matter is your employer and their insurance provider are all in business and will work to part with the least amount possible.

Workers’ compensation lawyers should have the experience to analyze the situation and give you a realistic picture of the compensation you deserve. For instance, if your injury requires extensive medical attention, the cost of treatment might be too much for you. If the injury puts you out for work for a long time, the cost of your living expenses will accumulate quickly.

As such, you need a workers comp lawyer who knows how much compensation you are entitled to and how to negotiate and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

3. To Make Sure Your Agreement is Worded Correctly

The wording of your settlement can potentially affect other payments you may seek, such as  Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For instance, in some states, employees receive a lower SSDI payment if they received a certain amount in workers’ compensation.

If you decide to follow up on the compensation without the help of a lawyer, you might not see the lower payments set by your employer or their insurance provider in the settlement agreement.

By allowing a reliable workers comp lawyer to handle your claim, you can be sure that the terms stipulated are fair to you. If your case is highly complex, the attorney can also advise you on additional compensation you may be liable to, such as a long-term disability insurance income.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of how good the relationship between you and your boss is, if you get hurt while working and an insurance company takes over your case, your employer won’t have much say on what happens to you. As such, you need to put yourself first at all times and advocate for your health and finances.

Don’t try and fight your employer’s lawyers on your own. Instead, hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to handle your case, and you’ll have gained an ally who will listen to your story and have your best interests at heart.