Getting injured on the job can be incredibly scary if you find that you are unable to continue to work for long periods. How will you continue to support yourself or your loved ones if you aren’t able to fulfill the duties of your job long-term or face a permanent disability? Not every employee will face an injury like this. But, if it happens, it is important to ensure that you are working with an attorney that understands workers’ compensation and is prepared to fight for your rights.
If an employee has a claim that isn’t being disputed by the insurance company or the organization that employs them, the process will typically be fairly easy to navigate on your own. However, sometimes the process isn’t that simple and intervention may be necessary. For instance, if you were injured by an intentional act of your employer, you may be able to sue the organization in court for the associated workplace injury.
When Is a Lawyer Needed for Workers’ Compensation Claims?
As previously mentioned, most minor injuries that occur in the workplace won’t require the assistance of a lawyer. This is especially true if the injury heals completely with treatment or rest. Under these circumstances, it is unlikely that an insurance company will attempt to dispute the claim or deny benefits to the employee that has been injured. However, once the insurance company makes a dispute or the employee faces a long-term or permanent disability, hiring an attorney may be necessary.
Any time a dispute arises with the insurance company following a workplace injury, you should be considering the support of a lawyer to help navigate the process and get the benefits you deserve. Often this process will include gathering the evidence required to challenge the position of the insurance company through independent medical examinations or the support of an expert witness that was present when the accident that caused an injury occurred. These crucial steps often require enhanced legal knowledge and experience.
Other factors that may influence your decision to hire an attorney for workers’ compensation claims aren’t always so straightforward. For instance, if you have a pre-existing condition involving the body part that was injured while working, you may find it harder to present your case to the insurance company. In most cases, this injury will be blamed on previous conditions instead of the activities that were performed at work.
If you think you may be missing out on workers’ compensation benefits, don’t hesitate to reach out to attorneys to learn how they may be able to help you present your case. In many cases, the lawyer will only take a percentage of the benefits that they may be able to help you obtain, meaning insurance companies will often settle for more than they would otherwise. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you to ensure your employer is protected. Get the support and benefits you deserve when you work with a workers’ compensation attorney.
