You have clear legal rights if you’ve been injured on the job. For example, you can seek compensation for workers’ comp, personal injury damages, and Social Security disability benefits.
However, knowing when you need a workplace injury lawyer can be challenging. Read on to learn more about the key factors determining whether you should hire one.
You’ve Been Injured
Knowing when to hire a workplace injury lawyer is a vitally important decision. Depending on your situation, the right attorney could make all the difference in getting you a fair settlement or jury award.
Workplace injuries range from physical pain to mental health difficulties and even death. They can happen while you’re at work, traveling to or from your job, or on a scheduled break.
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide you with medical care, partially replace your wages while you recover, and help you return to work after an accident or illness.
The first step is to report your injury promptly. Please do so to avoid forfeiture of your right to receive workers’ compensation.
You’re Considering a Claim
You’ll need to hire a workplace injury lawyer in many different situations. The answer depends on your injury’s severity, your case’s complexity, and the actions of your employer or insurance company.
Suppose your injuries are superficial and do not result in permanent restrictions, lost time from work, or medical care that exceeds the standard workers’ comp benefits. In that case, you may not need a lawyer.
However, even a relatively simple first-aid claim could involve issues such as preexisting medical conditions or possible third-party claims. Your workers’ compensation attorney will have the experience and knowledge to deal with these situations effectively, so you’ll receive the total and fair compensation you deserve for your injuries.
You’re Considering a Settlement
When the insurance company is ready to close out your workers’ compensation claim, they may offer you a settlement. These settlements are designed to avoid litigation and pay you a lump sum for your injuries.
Talk to a workplace injury lawyer about your options if you want a settlement. They’ll help you determine whether an accommodation suits you and how much you should ask for.
Usually, a settlement is sent to and approved by a workers’ compensation judge before becoming final. A judge will review the proposed settlement during a hearing and ensure it’s fair for you.
While settling quickly after an accident is tempting, it’s not always the best idea. Determining how much your injuries are worth might be challenging, and the lump amount may need to be increased to match your future demands.
You’re Considering a Trial
If you are hurt on the job, your employer’s insurance company and legal counsel will begin defending their interests as soon as you submit your claim. It is why hiring an attorney who can take care of your claim quickly while collecting and preserving all relevant evidence is essential.
In addition to your injury claim, you could have a potential third-party claim for a negligent driver or another liable party who caused the accident that led to your injuries. But, again, it can be complex and expensive, so you need an experienced workplace injury lawyer to help you navigate it.
Asking if your attorney has trial experience is the best way to find out. Of course, a good lawyer will have a variety of trials on his resume, but you should focus specifically on those that are on par with the ones you need for your specific case.
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.