Filing A Workers' Compensation Claim — Is A Lawyer Needed?
If you were recently injured at work, it can have frustrating consequences. For instance, you might have to miss time from work because of your injuries. As such, the outcome negatively affects your income. Perhaps the injuries sustained were so severe that they cause permanent pain or disabilities. In such cases, you can feel overwhelmed, but it is important to file a workers' compensation claim. At the same time, you also need to determine if a worker's compensation lawyer is your best approach to the situation.
When You Should Hire a Lawyer
Of all the industries, the labor sector — excluding construction work — experienced the most injuries and illnesses throughout 2017 at 7.3% of all claims. Across all sectors, there were approximately 882,730 work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred in 2017. Therefore, injuries tend to occur, and if you are unfortunate enough to receive a work-related injury, you are not alone. Many people have gone through the same experience.
In your case, you should consider hiring an attorney to help you with your workers' compensation claim if you are in any of the following situations:
- You have a preexisting condition, such as a previous injury to the same area you injured at work.
- You are finding it difficult to acquire the treatment needed for your injuries.
- You are unable to work as you did before.
- You are facing a claim denial.
- You are facing disputes about your permanent disability rating.
- You have an upcoming workers' compensation hearing.
A preexisting condition can be one of the most frustrating ordeals because the insurance company will try to hold your old injury accountable for the pain experienced from your new injury. A lawyer can make sure you receive fair treatment and compensation for injuries you sustained at work, despite any preexisting conditions.
Is it Worth the Money?
Some people stress over hiring an attorney because they know it can be a costly approach. However, not hiring a lawyer can lead to a more expensive outcome than hiring one. For instance, if you are seeking a cash settlement for your injuries, you will need a lawyer to help you, especially so you receive a fair amount. Without a lawyer, you could face a denial of your workers' compensation claim that you cannot overturn. As such, you now must face the expense of medical bills along with the time you had to take off work.
All-in-all, a work-related injury can have serious financial consequences. Therefore, adding the financial burden of hiring a lawyer might not seem worth it. However, a lawyer can make sure you receive the funding you need to treat your injuries and cover the time you missed from work, thus reducing the financial burden you face. Hiring a workers' compensation attorney may require an upfront fee, but you will be more than happy to reduce the stress of your current financial situation by doing just that.
What to Expect?
Typically, your lawyer will collect any documentation from you pertaining to the accident that caused your injury. You will also have to supply paperwork for treatments you received thus far. If you have a preexisting condition, make sure you also supply the paperwork for that. The lawyer will go over everything to help you determine the best approach. If the lawyer feels your claim denial was unfair or inaccurate, he or she will work to get it overturned.
If you are struggling with one of the aforementioned situations, reach out to a workers' comp lawyer near you today. A lawyer can provide you with the assistance you need to ease your mind and reduce your stress. An attorney can also answer any of the questions and concerns you might have about your situation.
