In 2023, the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that 5,283 employees died on the job, and 2.6 million were accounted for non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses. Many people die on the job in certain industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation, which raises serious concerns.
Workers’ compensation attorney Briana E. Chua says that falls account for most of the workplace injuries recorded annually. This type of injury results in missed days of work and workplace fatalities.
This article will help you weigh if you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer or handle it yourself after experiencing injury in your workplace.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Claims
When you get hurt at work, you must learn how to get the benefits you deserve. The claim process begins the moment you immediately report your injury to your employer.
Collect all important documents, such as accident reports, medical records, and witness statements. See to it that you comply with important deadlines related to the filing of your claim. Keep in mind that filing claims differs in every state.
Identify the types of available benefits suitable for your case, such as medical expenses, lost wage replacement, and rehabilitation expenses. Maintain a record of all correspondence initiated with your employer and insurance company. Submitting your documents with detailed information can help you have a successful chance in processing your claim.
The Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer plays a big role in securing the benefits you deserve. These legal professionals can guide you based on their experience and expertise in the field of workers’ compensation law.
Expect a workers’ compensation lawyer to assist you in gathering necessary evidence like medical notes and witness testimony to support your case. They can even protect you from being taken advantage of by the insurance company during negotiations, resulting in you receiving the acceptable amount concerning your injuries and lost wages.
Their presence and legal assistance allow you to concentrate solely on your recovery and achieve a favorable outcome for your claim.
The Risks of Handling Your Claim on Your Own
Working on your workers’ compensation claim all by yourself exposes you to costly risks that can jeopardize your case.
Without legal counsel, you may miss important deadlines or struggle to submit the necessary documents to prove your identity claims. Insurance companies will even try to get you to settle for less than you deserve.
When drafting your document, you may find legal and medical terms difficult and confusing, putting you under even more pressure to deal with your case.
Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision
You need to understand the different factors involved in your case when deciding whether to hire or not to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Gauge the complexity of your case. If your injury is minor and your employer admits fault, filing a claim will be simple for you. If there are disputed claims or complications within your medical condition, it would be best for you to seek the expertise of a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Can your energy and time sustain you alone in pursuing your claim? A lawyer can assist you with your legal challenges throughout the process.
Study the financial aspect of your case too. How much money are you willing to spend on legal services from a lawyer? You must assess the value of your claim and decide whether or not to spend a certain amount of it for legal costs.
What to Expect From a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Once you’ve decided to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to assist, these are the services you can expect.
They’ll assess your case and teach you about your rights and options.
Workers’ compensation lawyers are able to effectively negotiate with your employer and insurance companies to get you the settlement you deserve.
These legal professionals are prepared to represent you in the court. They will keep you updated on your case and answer your questions during the legal process.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can alleviate your worries and anxieties by handling the legal aspects of your case.
HedgeThink.com is the fund industry’s leading news, research and analysis source for individual and institutional accredited investors and professionals
