Have you been injured on the job? If so, you probably already know that you have to file a claim for workers compensation. You’re not alone, either. Each year there are millions of injuries that result from on-the-job accidents; in 2013 alone, there were more than 3 million occupational illnesses and injuries reported.
But did you know that you might also need to work with a workers compensation attorney in order to receive the settlement you deserve? Because a workers compensation claim is also, essentially, a personal injury claim, you’ll need a qualified legal representative on your side.
Why should you hire an attorney for workers compensation? Here’s what you should know about these types of cases and the importance of having a great legal team on your side:
- An attorney can help you with the disability claims process. When you file for workers compensation, you may be receiving Social Security disability payments as long as you are successful in your claim. However, it’s not uncommon to get denied these benefits after you initially try to claim them. An attorney can help make sure you get the funds you need when you need them if you will be on long-term disability.
- Your lawyer can face off against insurance companies for you. When you face a serious injury, you could get stuck with some steep medical bills. Your workers compensation attorney should be able to face insurance companies in and out of court to make sure that your expenses are paid. After all, one of the most common reasons to file bankruptcy in the United States is due to the cost of medical bills, so your lawyer should help you avoid this with solid litigation.
- Workers compensation lawyers can be your advocate. The process of claiming workers compensation can be somewhat alienating, especially if your employer is hostile or claims that they are not at fault. Having excellent legal representation can help ensure that you get treated fairly under the law, no matter what your employer might argue.
Have more questions on what you need to do when you file for workers comp? Talk to a workers compensation attorney as soon as possible.
