If you’ve suffered from a work injury, pursuing a workers’ compensation claim is crucial to receiving benefits for the damages. Unfortunately, there can be various obstacles since most insurance companies want to protect their profits. For this reason, you might want to hire a workers’ comp lawyer.
Depending on your case’s complexity and injury, a workers’ comp lawyer can help and guide you throughout the legal process. At Terry Katz and Associates and similar law firms, they have a team of lawyers who have experience and expertise in protecting your rights and getting the compensation claim you deserve.
If you’re still unsure whether or not you should hire a workers’ comp lawyer, here are the signs when to hire one for your case:
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Too Low Settlement Offer
Many insurance companies will try to reduce the amount of your claim. Typically, they’ll offer the lowest possible settlement offer, which can be unfair, especially if you have lost your job and paid more for your medical expenses.
When the insurers make their offer, the workers’ comp judge decides whether to accept or deny that offer. Unless the amount is unjust, the judge will give the stamp of approval and sign off on agreements immediately. However, it may mean that your settlement offer might not cover all your losses. So, if you think you’ve been paid unfairly, it’s a sign to work with a workers’ comp lawyer.
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You’re Clueless About Filing Paperwork
Like other lawyers specializing in a negligence lawsuit, reliable workers’ comp lawyers can guide you on the proper word usage and protocol when filing paperwork for legal purposes and insurance. If you haven’t filed a compensation claim before, the process can be stressful, and you may make mistakes that could set your lawsuit back for months or weeks. With this in mind, hiring a workers’ comp lawyer may come in handy.
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The Employer Denies The Claim
Regardless of your relationship with your employer, you never know if they’ll accept or deny your claim. Generally, there are some legal reasons employers can deny your claim. For instance, your employer may deny it if you fail to report your injuries or if you don’t have medical evidence.
Employers may also deny workers’ comp claims to avoid making payments. If you think it’s unfair and you deserve to get paid for the damages, hire a workers’ comp lawyer to help you with the proper legal steps.
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Another Party Is Involved
The primary goal of the workers’ comp system is to help you get financial assistance quickly when you’re injured at work. If another party is involved and might be liable for your work injuries, it’s best to hire a lawyer to provide you with proper legal help.
While it’s possible to file two separate claims, the cases may affect and interact with each other. There are differences in the process and what you might receive in compensation. A workers’ comp lawyer may help you understand what you should know and take the necessary steps on your behalf.
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You End Up With A Total Or Partial Disability
A disability may affect your income; worse, you could lose more money. So, if your injuries have resulted in temporary or permanent disability and you’re not getting additional compensation, never hesitate to consult with the best workers’ comp lawyer in your area.
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You Experience Workplace Harassment After Filing Your Claim
Some people who file a workers’ comp claim may experience workplace harassment or discrimination, which isn’t always obvious or outright. Such acts might be subtle, like questioning your work or duties. Your employer may also harass you by increasing your daily workload without paying your overtime.
These things may occur after filing a workers’ comp claim. If you experience any of this, your boss may retaliate against you, which can affect your well-being, health, and performance at work. To avoid this, seek the help of a workers’ comp lawyer about this matter and experience peace of mind.
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You Want To Receive Government Benefits
Whether you’re eligible for partial or total disability, you don’t need to worry about the legal proceedings, speaking with different organizations, and structuring your preferred settlement. Your focus must be on recovering and healing while your lawyer works tirelessly to get you a timely and fair outcome.
If you want to receive government benefits other than a workers’ compensation insurance payout, you must keep in touch with a lawyer. It’s because such benefits may be deducted once you get workers’ compensation. Highly experienced workers’ comp lawyers can guarantee you get the most benefits and help you understand your current situation better.
Conclusion
Dealing with workers’ compensation claims yourself is never a good idea, particularly since most insurance companies are represented by somebody who has handled countless cases before. Therefore, keep the above signs in mind to know when to hire a workers’ comp lawyer. Early consultation with a lawyer specializing in workers’ compensation laws can make a difference in getting a fair settlement and the justice you deserve.