Workers get into mishaps on the job all the time despite their best efforts to complete assigned tasks and get to their homes in one piece at the end of the day. If they’re lucky, they won’t suffer any injuries. But sometimes, workers get injured, undergo surgery or treatment, and take time off.
If you’re ever seriously injured on the job, one option is to pursue a workers’ compensation claim. However, it’s vital to hire a reputable workers’ compensation lawyer since it can be a stressful process.
Here are seven signs it’s time to call a lawyer for help with your workers’ compensation claim.
1. Your Claim Is Denied
Few things can be as frustrating when pursuing a workers’ comp claim as a decision to deny the claim. Employers and insurers often deny claims–even if the claims are valid. Their hope is that there will be no appeals.
That’s where having a good lawyer by your side can help. The legal professional can go to bat for you and challenge any denied claims. By so doing, a workers’ comp lawyer can increase your chances of a successful claim.
2. Your Benefits Are Delayed
Another reason to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer is if your benefits are delayed. If you need benefits now and find that the insurer seems to be dragging its feet, you may need help from a legal professional who can help speed things up. Going this route might be the only thing that gets you the benefits you need without waiting too long.
3. Your Boss Retaliates
You’ll want a lawyer in your corner if, after filing a workers’ compensation claim, your employer retaliates against you. If your boss threatens to fire you, strips you of your current position and gives you a lower one, or discriminates against you in some other way, you need a workers’ compensation attorney on your side.
4. You’re Not Offered Enough
Sometimes insurers offer way too little money. So, an approved claim isn’t necessarily a good offer. If the compensation is barely enough to cover lost wages, medical costs, or future expenses, a workers’ compensation lawyer can approach the insurer with evidence that the offer amount is insufficient and possibly convince the insurance company to offer more.
5. Your Injury Is Chronic or Long Term
If it’s determined your injuries are chronic or long-term in nature, you will need that factored into how much you deserve. You can bet that some insurers will fight tooth and nail to lowball you. But if you have documentation from medical professionals demonstrating that your needs will be long-term, you need an amount that will accommodate these needs. You’ll want a lawyer experienced at building strong workers’ comp cases to get you the amount you require.
6. You’re Pressured to Return to Your Job Too Soon
You might experience situations where your boss wants to force you to return to work before you’re ready. That’s a mistake. You should never return before you can do so safely. If you do return to work prematurely and are injured on the job, you could jeopardize your workers’ comp claim.
7. You Don’t Comprehend the Process
A sure telltale sign you need to contact a workers’ comp lawyer is if you don’t comprehend the process. All it takes is one wrong move to complicate things. When you retain the services of a legal professional, you won’t have to worry needlessly about making mistakes that hurt your cause.
Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is your best option when you must file a workers’ compensation claim. So, when you need help, hire a legal professional who knows the ropes and can guide you through the process.
Read Also: How to Choose the Best Austin Personal Injury Attorney for Your Case?