Sustaining a work-related injury or illness can be overwhelming. You have to cope with the physical pain and emotional stress and may also be dealing with profit-driven insurance companies.
Working with a workers’ compensation lawyer will ensure you receive the best possible settlement. Here are a few reasons to hire one:
Representation
Injured workers often have much on their plates, including medical treatment and lost wages. Employees can focus on recovery while workers’ comp lawyers handle the legal work.
Unfortunately, the system is not always fair. Insurance companies may deny a bona fide claim for dubious reasons or offer less than what the injured worker deserves. These worker’s compensation lawyers are awesome. An experienced attorney will fight for every penny of the benefits you are entitled to.
A lawyer can also prepare your case for a hearing or trial by requesting your medical records, taking depositions of witnesses, performing legal research, and writing pleadings. During the trial, your lawyer can make opening and closing arguments, examine witnesses, and raise objections when the insurance company tries to violate your rights. In addition, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can file a civil lawsuit against third parties responsible for your injury. This can provide additional funds to pay for medical treatment or other expenses.
Expertise
A workers’ compensation attorney knows how much a person should receive in a settlement based on the extent of their injuries and physical limitations, future medical expenses, past temporary disability payments, and more. They also know how to structure and negotiate a reasonable settlement agreement.
They can help you avoid common mistakes, like clerical errors or missing deadlines, often among the top reasons workers’ comp claims are denied. They can also provide expert medical opinions to strengthen your case by proving the severity of your injury.
They can also weed out insurance ‘predators’ who claim bona fide injuries or illnesses to drain your business of resources and the productivity you need to stay in business. However, keep in mind that success is not guaranteed. Legal proceedings are complex and time-consuming, and the outcome depends on the validity of the evidence presented. A specialist worker’s compensation lawyer can improve your chances of a successful outcome, but it is still not guaranteed.
Relieves Stress
Whether you live paycheck to paycheck or worry about the financial impact of a permanent injury, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you avoid future stress by getting you the settlement you deserve. This will eliminate any future concerns about money and may also ease the emotional impact of an injury.
Employers and insurance companies often use bad-faith tactics to deny or reduce benefits. They may claim that you have a pre-existing condition or try to argue that your injury is not related to your work. An experienced worker’s comp lawyer can protect you against such attempts and prove the link between your injury and your workplace duties with dated medical records.
It is important to note that you must see a company-approved physician for your workers’ comp claim. However, if the doctor does not accurately assess your injury or offer adequate treatment options, an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you get a second opinion.
Representation for Your Family
Injuries in the workplace can cause massive medical bills and lost income. Having a workers’ compensation lawyer means you have someone on your side who will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
A good workers’ comp attorney can help you avoid issues that could delay your case, such as a lack of proper documentation or a dispute over your diagnosis. They can also offer insight into your future when evaluating a settlement, such as whether it will offset your Social Security disability benefits.
Read Also: How a Personal Injury Law Firm Can Maximize Your Compensation
They will also be able to handle any potential employer retaliation. For example, your employer might try to fire you, demote you, or slash your hours after you file for workers’ comp, but an experienced lawyer can prevent this. Having a compassionate, skilled legal professional on your team is invaluable in the long run. For these reasons and more, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is essential.
