Being injured at work is a traumatic experience, especially when you’re dealing with physical pain, lost wages, and an uncertain future. Workers’ compensation is intended to be a relief to injured employees, but as you may expect, it’s often not as easy as filling out a form and getting a check.
Employers and insurance companies will commonly mess with claims, hold off on payments, or deny benefits altogether. That’s why the importance of a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer cannot be overstated.
Here are the top five reasons to hire a lawyer on your claim:
1. Understanding the Legal Process
Workers’ compensation law can seem complicated and full of technicalities. From deadlines for filing to what type of paperwork needs to be filed, there are a lot of legal opinions that the average person doesn’t quite get.
In fact, in certain states, such as Washington, D.C., the rules can be extraordinarily strict, and any minor slip-up can doom your entire claim. That’s why it can be beneficial to work with an established workers’ compensation law firm in Washington, D.C.
These guys know all the ins and outs of the system and can guide you from documenting the injury and insurance correspondence to meeting the deadlines. With the right legal advocate on your side, you won’t make the mistake of believing myths and rumors, and you’ll ensure you receive your right to full benefits.
2. Protecting You from Employer Retaliation
Regrettably, some injured workers are retaliated against by their employers after submitting a claim. That can mean reduced hours, demotion, or even unlawful firing. If your employer wants to penalize you for exercising your rights, an attorney can provide a layer of protection and advocacy.
3. Maximizing Your Benefits
Among the most important reasons you may want to hire a lawyer is to ensure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to. Many will agree to low settlements or negotiate for partial benefits because they don’t know the true worth of their claim. That said, your workers’ compensation attorney will carefully determine the value of your claim, which includes medical treatment, lost wages, and potential permanent disabilities.
4. Handling Denied or Delayed Claims
Insurance companies often refuse to pay valid claims or will drag out the process, and injured workers eventually are left to fend for themselves. If your claim has been denied or you’re simply experiencing unreasonable delays, a lawyer can intervene to challenge the decision. They will collect the proper medical evidence, prepare legal arguments, and present your claim at hearings or appeal if necessary.
5. Navigating Complex or Long-Term Injuries
If you suffered a severe injury or you have a permanent disability, then the matter is going to be far more complicated. This is a situation that could require a huge settlement because of the impact to your life, including occupational changes, the need for assistance and long-term treatment. An attorney can guide you through the process and make sure your long-term needs are addressed.
Take Away
Dealing with a work injury is hard enough without having to fight for the benefits you deserve. A workers’ compensation lawyer can offer you the best chance of getting a quick and fair compensation. From filing paperwork properly to protecting you from retaliation and ensuring you receive the maximum settlement, a lawyer can be a great asset during one of the most difficult times in your life.
If you have been injured at work, don’t fight it alone — get the legal representation you need to protect your future.