Federal law states that, when an employee becomes the victim of a serious injury or is sickened at work, they’re entitled to receive compensation until they’re able to return to their job. On top of federal regulations, each state has its own rules and procedures when it comes to workers comp cases, and these can be confusing for a “layperson” to navigate. For those that need assistance, there are attorneys that not only specialize in this area of the law but do not take any compensation for themselves until the case is successfully resolved.
Given these facts, it’s easy to see why a recent study conducted by Lawyers.com found that nearly 3/4 of all workers injured on the job in California enlisted the help of an attorney to assist them through the workers compensation process. No matter how good of a relationship one has with their employer when an employee files a claim, they’re applying for reimbursement from their employer’s insurance company. And, insurance carriers are profit-driven companies who are looking out for their own interests. Therefore, it’s recommended that the injured party do some research to find out who the best workers comp attorneys are in their area.
Gathering the facts
At Gold Country Workers Comp Center, our motto is “document, document, document.” We strive to record any and all worker’s compensation case facts. No detail is too small or insignificant, and it’s important to make note of them as close to the date and time that the injury occurred as possible. This is because cases can go to court months or even years after the incident occurs, so it’s critical to record everything when it’s still fresh in people’s minds.
It’s well known that people’s memories can be unreliable over time, so it’s vital to take written statements from all witnesses directly after the incident. There are also other ways to corroborate the injured party’s accounting of the facts. Nowadays, many office buildings are equipped with video cameras that may provide recorded evidence.
Taking action
The workers compensation case process can move slowly, which is agonizing for someone who is disabled and waiting to receive income for lost wages. That’s why it’s advisable to contact a workers comp attorney who can take the helm and move things along while the injured employee is recovering.
If you’re wondering if and when to call an attorney, feel free to contact the compassionate and experienced staff at Gold Country Workers Comp Center for a free consultation. We have expertise working with the insurance companies and will work vigorously to make sure you’re compensated fairly.
