If you get hurt at work, it could be pretty scary. You could be in pain, out of work or school, and thinking about how you are going to pay your bills. But in most states, there is such a thing as ‘workers’ compensation’ that helps people who get hurt at work.
This is a system that offers:
- Medical attention
- Lost wages
- Other costs of job-related injuries
Sometimes you might need an attorney to help with workplace injuries. Attorneys are experts who can guide you through the process and help you get the benefits you are entitled to.
- What is Workers’ Compensation and Do I Qualify?
Workers’ comp is a form of insurance that covers medical bills, lost income, and other expenses if you are hurt on the job. It is generally required in most states, but there may be variations depending on where you live.
- How Much Experience Do You Have with Workers’ Compensation Claims?
Not every attorney works on the same kind of case. Some attorneys work on personal injury cases, and some work on criminal law or business law. Workers’ compensation law is a specialized field of practice, and you will want to see to it that the attorney you choose has some experience with these kinds of cases.
- What Do I Do If I’ve Been Injured at Work?
If you’ve been injured on the job, it’s important that you do the right thing in order to receive the help that you require. Your lawyer will be able to guide you on exactly what to do next and how to avoid mistakes that can ruin your claim. Your lawyer can walk you through:
- The process of reporting the injury
- Whether you need to go to a physician
- How to make sure it all gets written down.
- What Types of Benefits Am I Entitled To?
Among the most frequent reasons why people apply for workers’ compensation is to access funding for covering things like treatment and lost work time. You have to ask your lawyer expressly what benefits you can get and how much you can expect.
The lawyer needs to explain the benefits and let you know what you can get, depending on your injury.
- How Long Will the Claims Process Take?
It can take a while to obtain workers’ compensation. It is great to know how long so you can plan for things like being able to pay your bills or obtain the medical care you require.
Your attorney will be able to tell you an approximate time it will take and whether or not you will have delays. They will also advise you on what to do if the insurance company tries to deny your claim or make you a low offer.
- What If My Claim Is Denied?
Even if you think you have a justifiable case, the insurance company will deny your claim. This is actually frustrating, but you should understand that you are not out of luck. A workers’ compensation attorney will tell you what to do next when your claim has been denied.
Your lawyer can take you through the process of appeal and what they will do in attempting to have your claim approved. In some cases, the lawyer will have to appear in court to plead a case on your behalf.
Conclusion
Paying for a lawyer when you are filing a workers’ compensation claim is a huge step towards getting the help that you need after experiencing an on-the-job injury.
- The right questions will lead you to choose the best lawyer to represent you during the process.
- Ensure that you know what the process is, what you can be rewarded with, and what the lawyer will charge you.
- If you have a good lawyer to represent you, then you are highly likely to receive the compensation you are entitled to.