While perhaps not the most exciting topic, having an attorney in worker’s compensation cases is definitely important. If you’ve ever been injured on the job, you know how stressful and overwhelming the whole process can be.
That’s where an attorney comes in. Now, you may be thinking, “Do I really need a lawyer for a worker’s comp case?” Well, know beyond a shadow of a doubt that having an experienced attorney by your side can make all the difference in the world.
Navigating the Complex Legal System
To put it mildly, the legal system around a worker’s compensation case can be incredibly complex. There are a ton of rules, regulations, and deadlines that you have to keep track of.
An attorney such as those at ageeclymer.com spends the majority of his time working on worker’s compensation cases and knows all of the ins and outs of the legal, insurance, and judicial systems. They can guide you through the process, making sure you don’t miss any important deadlines or make any mistakes that could jeopardize your case.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
When you’re injured at work, in the parking lot of work, or on work business, you’ll probably have some intensive dealings with your company’s insurance company. And, if we’re being honest, you shouldn’t expect them to take your side in the issues. Any insurance company’s goal is to make money, and it’s likely they may try to minimize your claim or deny it completely.
For this reason, having a lawyer with your best interests at heart is important. They’ll do all the negotiating necessary with the insurance company and make certain you receive the compensation and treatment you deserve.
Gathering Evidence and Building a Strong Case
So, how do attorneys build this case for you? By gathering evidence to support your claims. And it’s not an easy task when you’re doing your best to recover from said injury at the same time. The attorney you select will help you, though, letting you know what paperwork you need, such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony.
They can also talk with your medical team to make sure everything is documented correctly and in alignment with your injuries. With this type of solid evidence, the chances of a win-win situation are greater.
Representing You in Court
The best-case scenario is for the insurance companies to come to their senses and pay out what you deserve. However, in some situations, the case will end up in court. When, or if, this happens, you need an experienced attorney on your side of the table, not a paper pusher, but one with actual trial experience to argue your case and protect your rights. They will also explain everything going on every step of the way.
Maximizing Your Compensation
No, you’re not after the end-all, be-all settlement, but what you do want is compensation for your doctor bills, injuries, and any lost paychecks that occurred during the process. A qualified attorney will see you get the most compensation allowed and that all your injuries are taken into consideration.
While they certainly look to compensate you for medical expenses and lost wages, they’ll also consider future lost earning potential. They’ll also help you look into other options, such as third-party claims or filing for Social Security disability.
Peace of Mind
If nothing else, the right attorney can provide you with peace of mind that you’re doing the right thing, going down the right path, crossing the t’s, and dotting the i’s. The process of filing for workers comp can be quite stressful, but attorneys are used to this stress and take it off your shoulders and put it on their own.
This allows you to concentrate on getting well and back to your old self again.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Attorney
Not all attorneys are created equal. In fact, according to the law, a tax attorney or an estate planning attorney COULD handle your worker’s compensation case. But this is not the ideal situation. No, you want an attorney who handles these types of claims SUCCESSFULLY every day.
So, interview a variety of lawyers, asking about their record of success and what the payouts were for cases similar to yours. Ask all the questions you may ask and get a feel for the type of communication style the attorney has. You want someone who will return your calls, respond to your emails, and handle your case appropriately.
The Benefits of a Contingency Fee Arrangement
There’s no doubt that attorneys charge a hefty fee for their services, and it’s understandable considering all they’re able to do for you. But, when you’re recovering in the hospital at home with no income coming in, the last thing you want is more debt over you.
So, with that in mind, look for an attorney who will work on a contingency basis, collecting their pay when the case is won. And, in most worker’s comp cases, this is how it’s done. So, shop around for the best attorney regardless of your current financial situation.
When to Hire an Attorney
When you’re lying in bed, arm in traction, you may not be thinking about hiring a lawyer, but truly, as soon as you can think clearly, you should have an attorney on your side. They’ll keep you from making mistakes early in the process and make certain everything is being done correctly from the beginning. So, if you’ve been injured on the job, don’t wait; seek the help of an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer ASAP.
If you’ve been injured at the workplace, it only makes sense to hire an attorney to help you gain compensation and payment for your bills. These knowledgeable legal eagles will navigate the difficult legal arena, deal with the insurance companies, gather all the evidence needed, and represent you in court.
All of this while you recover! This peace of mind is needed during this stressful time, so look for a lawyer who’s handled cases like yours for years and makes you feel comfortable. If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t hesitate to seek legal help. Your future self will thank you.
