Insurance companies, whether they are private or public, have a financial incentive to minimize workers’ compensation claims. A skilled attorney can help you get a higher settlement.
They can answer any questions you have about the process, fill out paperwork for you, and ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines. They can also help you file a civil claim against a third party, if appropriate.
Representation and Protection
Most people think that if they get injured at work, they can count on the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance to cover all their medical bills and other expenses. But this is not always the case. Insurance representatives can deny claims or take too long to process them, mainly because they are trying to save their companies money by keeping the payouts low.
They can also help you decide if you should file a civil suit against the company for its negligence. A lawyer can also tell you whether your injury may have occurred due to a defective piece of equipment or machinery.
A reputable attorney will charge you only a limited percentage of what they recover for you, known as a contingent fee. This amount varies by state. In most cases, a workers’ comp attorney will collect 10% to 20% of what they win for you. In rare cases, they can be paid a fixed fee.
You Will Get a Bigger Payout
A workers’ comp lawyer will handle conversations and negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. This will free up your time to focus on recovering from your injuries.
Injured workers may need to be re-evaluated by doctors, attend hearings and file paperwork with the insurance board to prove their injuries prevent them from returning to work. A lawyers can help you collect and present the evidence needed to receive full benefits.
Taking a workers’ comp case to court can be risky for both insurers and injured employees. A judge could order a settlement far below or above what either side was offering.
Injured workers who have reached maximum medical improvement and are no longer eligible for weekly cash payments can negotiate a lump sum “Section 32” buyout of their claim. A workers’ comp lawyer can help you make this decision and secure your lifetime medical care. They can also assist you with pursuing a civil claim against a third party such as the manufacturer of a defective piece of machinery.
They Can Work with Uncooperative Employers
Workers’ comp laws vary from state to state. A Workers’ Comp Lawyer knows your local law and can help you navigate the process. They will also be able to alert you of possible complications that would require their services.
Many employers and their insurance providers will try to minimize or deny your claim, in order to save money on the payout. They might even suggest that you are not seriously injured, or that the injury is related to something unrelated to your work.
Workers’ compensation lawyers can work with your employer, the insurance company, and the state board to get you the benefits you deserve. They will be able to evaluate your case and the medical information you provide, and will make sure you are getting the maximum payout allowed under the law. They will also be able to negotiate on your behalf, especially when an initial offer is low. They will be able to evaluate long-term medical needs and any wage loss you may experience in the future, as well.
They Can Help You Navigate the System
Workers’ Compensation is a complex system that provides financial benefits and medical treatment for injured employees. A lawyer can help guide you through the process, explain how it works and warn you of any potential pitfalls.
In some cases, an employer or insurance company will try to deny or delay a claim. These efforts may be motivated by financial concerns, such as a desire to minimize payouts and reduce profits. They might also be based on the fact that workers’ comp claims can be very expensive.
In such cases, your Workers’ Compensation lawyer will fight to get you the benefits you deserve. They will file paperwork, conduct legal research and argue your case at a hearing in front of a Workers’ Compensation Law Judge. During this hearing, your lawyer will take the depositions of witnesses and request your medical records. They will also prepare opening and closing arguments, examine witnesses and raise objections when necessary.