If you have suffered an injury in the workplace, one of the first questions that you might have is whether or not it is worth hiring a worker’s compensation lawyer. You will likely be wondering if an attorney is necessary for your case, what assistance they will be able to provide to you, and how much you can expect it to cost. Filing a worker’s compensation claim can often feel very overwhelming, especially if there’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding your injury.
In an ideal worker’s compensation case, you have a relatively minor injury and there’s no concern that you might not get benefits. But this might not be your situation, and you may require an advocate to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to. Some situations where you may need a worker’s compensation attorney include:
If You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
If you have any underlying health conditions, this could be used as an excuse to deny compensation benefits. Your employer or their insurance company could claim that your pre-existing condition is the reason behind your workplace illness or injury. If you suffer from a pre-existing condition that could be used to delay or deny your claim, it’s worth hiring a worker’s compensation attorney.
Your Employer is Disputing That the Injury Occurred at Work
You are likely to run into issues if your employer does not acknowledge that your injury occurred as a result of your work duties or while you were at work. Working with a lawyer can make it easier for you to establish a clear link between your work and the injury that you have suffered.
Your Benefits Are Delayed or Denied
Around 80% of employees who have their worker’s compensation benefits denied will not continue to pursue them. However, even if your claim is denied or your benefits are being delayed, you can work with a lawyer to appeal the decision. A good lawyer will provide you with guidance throughout the process and can secure any evidence needed to prove your case and help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
You’re Out of Work
If you have been seriously injured, you may be out of work for a long time. In addition, long-term or permanent injury will usually require considerable treatments and large medical bills. If this is your situation, there’s a higher chance that your employer and their insurance company will try and reduce your benefits to minimize the costs to themselves. Finances are the last thing that you need to worry about in this situation, so hire a worker’s compensation attorney to help you secure everything you need to cover your expenses.
Your Benefits are Miscalculated
You may be concerned regarding how your wage loss benefits have been calculated. If you have received a settlement that does not cover your wages and other costs such as medical expenses, a worker’s compensation attorney can help you get the benefits you need and avoid being out of pocket.
In most cases, a worker’s compensation case will be straightforward - but in some situations, it can be trickier to get the benefits you deserve. If you’re experiencing any of the above, it’s worth hiring a good lawyer.
