While most employers do their best to keep their workplace safe, accidents can still happen. Employees who get injured at work have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and receive benefits while they’re recovering. Many workers’ compensation claims are straightforward and don’t require the assistance of a lawyer. However, if there are complexities in the case, a lawyer may be necessary. Here are several situations when a workers’ compensation lawyer is needed:
Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied
Just because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, doesn’t mean you will get the benefits. Employers deny workers’ compensation claims for many different reasons. Maybe you didn’t inform your boss soon enough about your injury or maybe your boss doesn’t believe you suffered the injury at work. Whatever the reason for the rejection is, you can appeal it with the assistance of a lawyer.
Your Settlement Is Too Low
If the settlement amount you were offered doesn’t seem high enough, don’t just let it go. Judges usually always sign off on workers’ compensation agreements, unless they’re terribly unfair. You may have mountains of medical bills right now and even more in the future. The last thing you want to do is accept an offer that doesn’t cover all of these bills. An experienced workers compensation lawyer may help you push for a better settlement offer.
Your Boss Isn’t Treating You Fairly
Believe it or not, some employers become very angry when their employees file workers’ compensation claims and retaliate against them for it. If your employer fired, demoted or reduce your pay after you filed a claim, you don’t have to stand for that kind of treatment. A workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to protect your legal rights.
Your Injury Prevents You from Returning to Work
Some work injuries can be so severe that they prevent you from returning to work at all. If this sounds like your situation, you may be eligible for weekly disability payments to make up for your lost wages. However, insurance companies how to shell out a lot of money for these types of cases and may work hard to avoid paying you what you are owed. A workers’ compensation lawyer who has handled disability cases in the past may of great service to you.
If any of the above situations apply to you, schedule a consultation with a reputable workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. He or she will take the time to thoroughly review your case and advise you on the best way to move forward. Your lawyer may help you gather the necessary evidence, speak to insurance adjusters on your behalf and protect your legal rights. During your consultation, provide as much information as you can about your case so that he or she can help.
Many Long Island work injury attorneys offer free initial consultations, so you do not have anything to lose by setting up a meeting with one.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Polsky, Shouldice, and Rosen, P.C. for their insight into workers’ compensation.
