If you were hurt at work and needed medical care or lost wages because of it, your employer should be required to pay workers' compensation. That doesn't mean your employer or the insurance company will do so willingly and gladly. If you're lucky, you'll receive an offer you agree with. If not, you'll need to hire a workers' compensation lawyer to help you get what you deserve. It's always a good idea to seek a lawyer's advice when it comes to workers' comp, but here are three times when you may be sorry if you don't hire a lawyer.
When The Offer Isn't Enough To Cover Your Expenses
Remember to factor in all the expenses you incurred because of the accident. There will be medical bills, possibly lost wages, and perhaps other expenses that came about as a direct result of your injury. If the offer from the workers' comp insurance doesn't cover the full amount, you should think twice about accepting. Also, consider if your bills will be ongoing. If you will continue to need treatment into the future, then your settlement should reflect that. You'll have a better chance of getting all the money you need if you let an attorney deal with the insurance company. The lawyer can demand more and probably get it because the insurance company prefers to keep things out of the court system.
If You're Left Disabled
You need the advice of an experienced attorney if you are permanently disabled because of the accident. You can't fully comprehend what your future expenses will be when you factor in loss of ability to work along with medical bills. A workers' compensation lawyer has been through these cases several times before and has the experience to know what a disability settlement is actually worth. What seems like a lot of money to you may not be nearly what you'll need ten years down the road. For the best outcome, let an attorney handle your claim when you are disabled.
When Your Employer Takes Revenge
Even though your employer may not like to pay out a workers' compensation claim, it is the responsibility of the company to do so. If it causes the company problems for some reason, your employer may retaliate against you. Retaliation could come in the form of firing you or shuffling you off to the night shift. Your employer may even resort to lying about being responsible for the injury. In these cases, you need legal representation because you can't be mistreated for filing a claim. Your employer pays for the insurance to have coverage for on-the-job accidents, therefore your lawyer can fight on your behalf if you're mistreated or if your employer tries to deny responsibility.
The first visit with a lawyer is usually free, so there is no risk in finding out if you need to hire a workers' compensation attorney for your case. If you're lucky and have a minor injury with a cooperative employer, you may not need an attorney, but in any other situation, you'll probably get more money if you hire one. Contact a company like Hardee and Hardee LLP to learn more.
Share1 June 2017
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