Injured on the Job? 8 Steps To Take Before Seeking Workers Compensation

No matter how careful you are at work, accidents happen. If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness that has resulted in you missing a substantial amount of work, it is essential to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. Even if your injury is relatively small, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer could help walk you through the process and ensure you are fairly compensated. 

Like a personal injury lawyer,  a workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect you if you are injured on the job. Of course, being safe while on the job is of utmost importance but accidents happen from time to time that you don’t expect. So, whether you were injured on a construction site, or walking down the hall in your office building, here are nine things you need to do to make sure your worker’s comp lawyer has the best chance of getting you the compensation you deserve

     1. Determine Your Eligibility

Unfortunately, not everyone is eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on your state, there are different rules and regulations when it comes to determining what injury is eligible for compensation. While it is extremely important to file a claim if you are eligible, filing a claim when you aren’t eligible can be a waste of time, money, and resources. Discussing your situation with a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you figure out your next steps. 

     2. Meeting the Legal Requirements

Even when you find you are eligible for compensation for your injury, you have to meet your state’s requirements to properly file a claim. For example, you may have to prove that your injury is work-related, that you had a doctor confirm your injuries and more.  Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. 

     3. Understanding The Benefits You Deserve

According to the Department of Labor, there are various types of benefits you could receive as a result of your injury. Depending on your eligibility, you could receive medical benefits, vocational rehabilitation, wage replacement, or other types of benefits available in your state. Working with a lawyer will ensure you get all the benefits you deserve. 

     4. Getting The Most Out Of Your Benefits

Not only will hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer help find you the benefits you deserve, but they will ensure you get everything you are entitled to. Depending on how severe your injury is, you could end up missing months or even years of work. All that time off can really add up, so it is essential to know how much compensation you are entitled to under the confines of the law. 

     5. Talking to Your Insurance Company

Since most companies have to have workers’ compensation insurance, you will have to deal with your employer’s insurance company which could be a long and challenging process. In addition, the insurance company will do everything in its power to prove you were at fault. If you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, they will deal with them on your behalf and make sure you are protected. 

     6. Help Overcome Other Challenges

As stated above, insurance companies will do everything in their power to prove their client is not responsible for their injuries. There are plenty of cases where insurance companies will refuse to pay out certain benefits, cut benefits short, or deny them without any reason. Working with a lawyer will provide the necessary advice and help you defend yourself. 

     7. Negotiating a Settlement

Another reason to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer is to negotiate a lump sum settlement if necessary. Settling for a one-time settlement will ensure your benefits are not cut short. However, if you attempt to do this without a lawyer, insurance companies will not take you seriously, and you may lose all of your deserved benefits. 

     8. Filing an Appeal

Sometimes no matter how solid your claim is, insurance companies will refuse to pay you the benefits you are owed. In this case, you will need the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to file an appropriate appeal. 

Knowing You Got What You Deserved 

Hiring an experienced lawyer not only protects your legal rights but ensures you get the most out of your benefits. You don’t want to move on from your claim knowing you didn’t get the full amount of compensation you deserve. 

Reach Out To a Lawyer Today

No matter how big or small your injury is, it is important to reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you get everything you deserve. 

Rylie Holt