What To Ask Your Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Work accidents can mean the worker is covered by workers' compensation insurance. However, this type of insurance can be fraught with errors, delays, and denials for unjust reasons. Sometimes, the hurt worker needs a workers' compensation lawyer to help them get their claim on the right track and get paid what they are owed. It's important to get the right information after you encounter workers' compensation problems. To find out more, read below.
Do You Have a Good Case?
Your lawyer will evaluate your case based on what you have done or have not done so far. If you have failed to follow any of the rules, for example, your case could be in jeopardy. To ensure that you do everything you can to submit a good claim for benefits, follow these steps:
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Inform your supervisor of the injury or illness.
- Check the claim form for errors and omissions.
- Follow your doctor's orders.
If your benefits were denied in error and you can prove it, you have a good case and may be owed back pay and other benefits.
How Much Money Are You Owed?
The value of your case depends on the circumstances. Your partial disability salary should be paid each week until you are well enough to return to work. If you are told to return to work and you disagree with the finding, you could be owed back pay for unpaid disability wages if you are right. Do not return to work if you are still hurt.
If you are found to be permanently injured and unable to return to your job, you may be offered a lump sum payment. The amount depends on several factors. Your lawyer will help you figure out how much you should be paid and will negotiate with the workers' comp insurer for that sum. The amount you are paid is based on these factors:
- Your age at the time of the injury.
- Your education, training, and experience.
- How much money you were earning before the injury occurred.
- How much money is commonly paid to other workers in similar situations in your area.
How Can You Afford a Lawyer?
Worker's compensation lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis. You don't owe any money to the lawyer unless you win your case against the insurer. When you do win, the lawyer is paid from your settlement and back pay. You and the lawyer will agree on a percentage when you sign the representation agreement. This way of doing things allows you to get legal representation even if your financial situation is bad.
To find out more, speak to a workers' compensation lawyer.
