Do I Need a Workers Comp Lawyer?
If you have recently suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may be wondering if you need to take action and hire a workers comp lawyer. Depending on the severity of your injury, the complexity of your case and how your company handles the situation, can determine the next steps you should take. Here are a few signs to look out for if you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a workers comp lawyer?”:
Your Claim is Denied
If your workers comp claim is denied by either the insurance company, or if your employer denies the accident happened at work, it’s time to consult with a lawyer. It is important that you feel your claim is legitimate and you know it happened at work before going up against either company. This is why it is so important to report the incident immediately after it happens. The longer an accident goes unclaimed, the more your employer or insurance can blame it on outside forces or deny it all together.
You Sustain a Lasting Disability
If the accident at hand has caused you to have a partial or total permanent disability, you need to seek advice from a workers comp lawyer as soon as possible. Because these claims are usually the most expensive, insurance companies will fight against them the hardest. In this case, you’ll want an experienced and dedicated lawyer on your side who can fight for you when you can’t for yourself. If your injury keeps you from fully returning to work, call one of our lawyers at Stephen A. Burroughs now.
The Settlement Doesn’t Cover Your Costs
When debating, “Do I need a workers comp lawyer?”, you need to look at your finances. If you look at the cost of your medical bills and lost wages and realize they aren’t being completely covered by the settlement money, it’s time to seek counsel. Most settlement amounts are based on rating systems determined by doctors, and if the insurance company doesn’t agree with your rating, they can require an independent medical exam by a doctor of their choice. Normally, these doctors will give you a lower rating, and when this happens, you’ll need a lawyer to fight for a higher rating.
You Have a Third-Party Claim
If someone other than your employer or company had a hand in your injury, you may want to file a workers comp lawsuit. These lawsuits can get tricky because they operate outside the normal workers comp procedures. Due to the conditions of these claims, it’s best to have a lawyer present to represent you. An example of a third-party claim would be if you were assaulted while outside the office, making a delivery for work. In this case, you can sue the assailant for damages.
Now that you have a better idea of what you should do when asking yourself, “Do I need a workers comp lawyer?”, you can proceed with your claim. Contact one of our lawyers today and let us help you earn the compensation you’re owed.
