If you have been injured at work, the first thing you should do is report it to your supervisor. Your supervisor will send you to a doctor to be treated for your injuries. If you need continuing treatment or time off from work, your company’s workers compensation program will cover your medical expenses and pay part of your income for any time you must take off work. Some companies may refer to this program as occupational injury insurance.
When conflicts arise between you and your company’s workers compensation program, you should hire a workers compensation lawyer. There may be times you believe your workplace claims are not being handled fairly. If your injury is severe enough that you cannot work or your wage compensation is being delayed or denied, a lawyer can help you get what you deserve.
All companies have the responsibility to make their employees aware of their workers compensation program. New workers will typically learn about the program as part of the orientation phase of their employment. According to Ablison Blog, there are pros and cons of workers compensation. Although the programs provide medical coverage and wage compensation, there are also times the process causes disputes and delays in coverage.
Accidents are common in the workplace, and should be reported as soon as they happen. Slips, falls, and trips account for the majority of general industry accidents. They cause 15% of all accidental deaths, and are second only to motor vehicles as a cause of fatalities. In addition, workers reported 3,007,300 occupational injuries and illnesses in 2013, some of these claims may have been denied by the employer for various reasons. A legal team who specializes in workers compensation can greatly help your claim and assist you with receiving the benefits you deserve.
When to Call a Workmans Compensation Attorney
If you have experienced any of the following, it is important to call a workers compensation lawyer so they can get a legal team together and start working on your case.
- Injury needs surgery
- Pre-existing disabilities
- Medical benefits are denied
- You are not receiving the correct benefits
- Dispute an adverse decision
- No longer able to work
- Injuries are moderate to severe
How Workmans Compensation Lawyers Can Help
The American Journal of Medicine reported that 62% of bankruptcy filings were due to illness or medical bills. If you are facing large medical bills or have been denied a workmans compensation claim, it is time to have a legal team on your side. The team will fight for your rights and advocate for your medical care. In addition, the lawyer will ensure you receive the proper benefits as well as talk to you about Social Security disability benefits if needed as well.
Another aspect workers compensation attorneys can assist you is if your claim is being disputed by the employer’s insurance company or your employer. The dispute process is difficult to navigate on your own, and often involves legal procedures and rules that the average employee does not know about. In these situations, it is most important to have a lawyer on your side to help you navigate the legal system.
A workmans compensation lawyer knows and understands what type of benefits an injured worker is entitled to as well as what laws they are protected under. Having an attorney fighting on your behalf can increase the amount of benefits you receive in addition to making sure you receive the proper medical treatment for your illness or injury. While you recover, the lawyers will do all the work while you can focus on getting better.
