About seven million work-related injuries occur each year in the U.S. If you have been injured in an accident at work, you should consider consulting an experienced work injury lawyer. A knowledgeable legal professional will ensure your rights are protected and help you get the benefits you need. However, the decision over whether or not to hire an attorney will depend on the circumstances of your case and the severity of your injuries. So, when should you contact a work injury lawyer?
Read on to find out.
YOUR CLAIM IS DENIED OR DELAYED
When your employer or insurance company denies your claim, a good lawyer can help you fight the legal battle. The legal professional will file all the necessary paperwork, present compelling evidence and make sure the case is handled properly.
Once you report your injury, your employer should inform their insurance carrier and file a claim. In case of delays, your lawyer can help to speed up the process so that you get the benefits you deserve.
THE SETTLEMENT DOES NOT COVER ALL YOUR LOSSES OR MEDICAL BILLS
Dealing with insurance companies is a difficult part of filing work injury claims. Oftentimes, insurance companies will offer victims of work-related accidents a low settlement. When the amount does not cover all your medical bills and losses, you should contact a lawyer.
The legal expert will help you get the appropriate impairment rating. This will make it easier to estimate the settlement that will cover all of your damages.
YOU HAVE A PRE-EXISTING CONDITION
If you have an underlying health condition, the process of getting compensation for your work injury can be complicated. The insurance company can blame the accident or your current ailment on your condition.
To prove your case, you will need evidence to show that the injury was a direct result of the accident. Your lawyer will help you collect the evidence so that you are not disqualified from receiving the benefits due to you.
YOU HAVE SUFFERED A PERMANENT DISABILITY
Disabilities can be expensive. A partial or total disability can affect your ability to work and reduce your income significantly. This is partly why the insurance company is likely to dispute your work injury claim if you have suffered a permanent disability.
An experienced lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company, handle the complex legal issues, see to it that you get paid what you deserve and ensure the benefits are structured in such a way that they will help you in the long-term future. The lawyer can also assist if you need to change careers.
YOU HAVE A WORKERS’ COMPENSATION HEARING
A workers’ compensation hearing may be necessary if the insurance company denies your claim or makes a minimal settlement offer. Because a hearing is a serious event, you may want to hire a work injury lawyer.
Most work injury lawyers are skilled negotiators who have a thorough understanding of the relevant laws. Your attorney will provide excellent legal representation and work hard to protect your interests. This will help to increase your chances of getting fair compensation.
YOUR EMPLOYER RETALIATES AGAINST YOU
When you file a work injury claim, your employer may strike back. This could be in the form of harassment, demotion, pressure to return to work too soon, reduction in work hours or even termination of employment.
The good news is that there are laws to protect workers. Your lawyer will evaluate your case and develop a strategy to help prove that the retaliatory behavior is unwarranted.
YOU HAVE A THIRD-PARTY CLAIM
In the event that a third party contributes to your injury, you can file a suit against them. It is in your best interest to have a skilled lawyer to handle the third-party claim on your behalf.
Once you have suffered an injury at work, you should not wait until there is a problem to contact a lawyer. At Swor & Gatto, we are committed to serving victims of workplace accidents in Minnesota. Our friendly and experienced attorneys will provide you with the support and guidance you need during the difficult time. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.