If you’ve been injured on the job and are pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, you may be wondering whether or not you should hire a lawyer. While you don’t technically need to have a lawyer to represent your case, it can be extremely helpful to have one you trust. Between complicated laws and board hearings, having a lawyer can make this difficult process a little bit easier on you.
What Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?
Workers’ compensation lawyers and their legal assistants help clients navigate the claims process. Upon injury, you must notify your employer of the incident no more than 30 days after it happens. Then, your employer needs to notify its insurance carrier of the situation no more than 10 days following written notice concerning the accident. You will have two years from the date of your injury to file your workers’ compensation claim with the state. An attorney can take care of all of these details for you, ensuring both you and your employer meet the necessary deadlines.
Look For Additional Claims
While reviewing your case, a workers’ compensation lawyer can also determine if you have a potential claim beyond workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits are limited; you cannot take legal action against your employer in these cases. However, some situations may warrant a lawsuit against a third party.
Handle Hearings and Communication
There’s a lot of back and forth involved in workers’ compensation cases. Rather than dealing with these matters alone while you’re trying to heal, a lawyer can manage all correspondences on your behalf. They will represent you at hearings and even take care of communication with the insurance company on your behalf if necessary.
Represent Your Best Interests
Above all, a workers’ compensation attorney is looking out for what’s best for you, including helping you receive the maximum benefit possible. So, they ensure all actions taken by the insurance carrier and your doctors are fair and legal. Your attorney will know the terminology used by insurance adjusters, review medical reports from doctors, and make sure you know things that the insurance carrier may not tell you. For instance, you are entitled to see any doctor who takes workers’ compensation, have mileage reimbursed for medical visits, and may have the option to obtain unemployment or Social Security benefits in addition to workers’ compensation.
Review Settlement Offers
It’s possible that you may be asked to take a settlement in your workers’ compensation case. Because settlements will result in a singular lump sum rather than continuous benefits, it’s critical to understand the exact stipulations being offered. A lawyer can tell you if the offer is fair, and if it isn’t, you have the tools to negotiate for better terms.
Appealing Denials
Unfortunately, workers’ compensation cases sometimes get denied, even when the injured worker has a legitimate case. Having a lawyer means you’ll have someone with the legal knowledge necessary to determine why your claim was denied and help you appeal.
Have Questions? Reach Out Today
If you have any questions about your workers’ compensation case, consider contacting the legal team at Lewis & Lewis. You can schedule an in-person or telephone appointment to learn more about what a workers’ compensation lawyer can do for you.
