The American workplace can be a complex and sometimes dangerous place. When you believe your employer has failed in their responsibility to safety and deserve proper compensation, you should seek counsel from workers comp injury lawyers. These litigation experts can help guide and represent you through the process of receiving your deserved compensation for your injury and loss of work.
The Employer Denies Your Claim or You Do Not Receive Compensation Promptly
When you’re injured at work your employer or the workers’ comp insurers can deny truthful claims, as they so often do. This is especially likely to happen if your injury is a result of cumulative trauma – stress on a body part that, over time (and due to your duties at work) causes the need to seek medical care or miss work.
Unfortunately, employers and workers’ comp insurers are aware that most workers will not appeal a denial of their claims. Consulting workers compensation lawyers costs nothing up front and provides you with the peace of mind of having professional legal representation. They can also drastically increase your chances of receiving a proper settlement and compensation for your lost time and injuries.
The Employer’s Settlement is Insufficient or Does Not Cover All Medical Bills and Lost Wages
It is extremely important to remember you aren’t a legal expert when it comes to a settlement offer. If you believe your employer’s offer is insufficient in covering your medical bills and lost wages, you need workers compensation lawyers to properly determine if you’re getting a fair settlement.
A judge will almost always sign off on a settlement so long as it is not absolutely unfair on its face. Often injured workers won’t come to court to speak to a judge and get their questions answered.
The judge will rely on the insurance carrier’s representations, which are designed to get the judge to approve the proposed settlement. Your attorney can ensure any settlement provided by an employer is fair.
Your Injury Prevents You From Returning To Work
In extreme and drastic cases, you may have suffered permanent disability preventing you from returning to your prior job or working at all. Under these circumstances, insurance companies will fight tooth and nail to avoid paying a fair settlement. Professional workers comp injury lawyers can properly represent you in litigation.
Your Injuries Were Caused By Gross Misconduct
Navigating the workers’ comp system can be a frustrating and overwhelming experience. In certain cases, your injury may have been caused by a third party’s action, your employer does not have workers’ comp insurance, or your employer intentionally caused your injury. The workers’ comp system is designed to prevent civil lawsuits when it comes to work-related injuries. An experienced litigation expert can help guide and explain how the law relates to your circumstances.
The Employer Retaliates Against You
Some employers will retaliate against workers who file for compensation by deducting pay, cutting hours or engaging in forms of discrimination. In this case, it is vital to immediately contact workers comp lawyers to protect your legal rights. Employers engaging in this behavior will often completely discourage workers from seeking a fair compensation and even legal representation. Remember, your attorney defends you and your legal rights.
It is easy to see why it is very important to hire a professional and competent attorney when applying for workers’ comp. The legal system can be confusing and certain circumstances such as discriminatory employers or unfair settlement offers can stop you from receiving what you deserve. A skilled lawyer can also tilt the scales in your favor if the need for court action becomes necessary, ensuring your rights and a fighting chance.
Find our latest resolutions: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn