November 30, 2016
When to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If your injury is severe and your case is complicated, hiring a workers’ comp lawyer is a wise move. Most attorneys will offer free consultations and can let you know if they will be able to help you. So if your case has any of the following elements, we recommend giving a qualified workers compensation attorney a call.
- Your injury requires surgery. In most cases, in your injury is severe enough to require surgery, you will be entitled to a financial settlement for the disability caused by the injury. Good workers comp attorneys will be able to “appraise” the value of your settlement and work toward getting you the full amount you should receive.
- Your injury will prevent you from returning to your job or even to any work at all. Suffering a permanent partial or total disability is often a life changing thing, and you will be entitled to regular compensation or a lump sum to compensate you for the lost wages. This is best handled and settled by an attorney.
- Your employer denies your claim. Almost 80% of individuals do not appeal their denied claims. A workman’s comp attorney costs you nothing up front, so it is worth having them take a look at your claim to see if there is room for an appeal.
- You currently receive Social Security Disability or might in the future. There is specific languaging that must be put into your settlement contract to prevent Social Security from taking your entire settlement. A lawyer that specializes in workman’s comp cases is a must since they should understand the very complicated and specific jargon needed.
- You are fired from your job or are afraid of being fired following the work injury. While this is illegal, it happens all too often. You may have grounds for a civil action suit for wrongful termination and having a good attorney by your side is crucial.
- Your settlement offer isn’t going to cover your medical bills or lost wages. You don’t have to depend on the workers’ compensation judge to decide if it is a fair settlement. Often judges will sign off on an agreement so long as it’s not grievously unfair. This is one of those times you want an attorney on your side.