A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fill out the paperwork associated with your workers’ compensation claim or petition a denied workers’ compensation claim. While some people can go through the initial process of filing a claim on their own, dealing with the appeals process can be challenging. Fortunately, legal help is available, which means you do not need to go through the process alone. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you with each step.
Workers’ compensation lawyers can help prove that you have a workplace injury and that your injuries were not related to a pre-existing medical condition you might have. Should your employer take retaliatory actions against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, a lawyer can help you to seek legal recourse in this situation. You should not have to worry about losing your job, pay, or seniority because of an on-the-job injury.
Evidence for Workers’ Compensation Cases
States regulate workers’ compensation programs. To receive workers’ compensation, you will need to prove that your injury or illness happened at work. If you decide to hire legal representation, an attorney can help you secure the evidence you will need for your case. This includes medical records, expert witnesses, and valuation of your losses.
Other evidence can include any photographs or videos of the scene where the accident took place. You also might have photographs or videos of the injuries you suffered as well as any equipment that might have been involved. You also can provide witness statements you have, timecards that show you were in the workplace at the time the injury occurred.
Documentation can also include formal reports other employees might have submitted or any paperwork from your doctor that can provide information about your injury and treatments for it.
Make sure you file any injury that occurs in the workplace promptly. Evidence showing that you informed your employer of your incident at work might help build your case.
Possible Legal Options
When it comes to pursuing a workers’ compensation case, you have a few legal options that you can consider if your workers’ compensation claim is denied. Your workers comp attorney will explain everything you need to know about the best courses of action to take if it happens to you. These options vary by state and could include:
- Accepting the decision and moving on
- Petitioning to appeal the case
- Filing a third-party personal injury lawsuit
These are some of the legal options you could take. Depending on the unique circumstances behind your injuries and the laws where you live, other legal options could be available to you. If you have any questions about your legal options and the best choices for your specific case, you can contact a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your situation.
How a Lawyer Might Be Able to Help
Depending on where you live, the law could require you to have a lawyer with you at your state’s workers’ compensation meetings. If this is the case in your state, you will need to hire a lawyer to represent your side of the case.
However, there are other reasons to consider hiring a lawyer. This will enable you to focus on your recovery while your lawyer takes care of the fine details of your case. Plus, it can be overwhelming to pursue legal action, especially if this is your first time having to petition for appeal of a workers’ compensation decision or sue a third party in court.
Having a lawyer around to help you could reduce some of the stress you feel about the process. An attorney will know how to navigate the system and possible pitfalls that require preparation. You can also ask an attorney questions about anything you do not understand.
Types of Benefits
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, workers’ compensation typically covers wage replacement, medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation, and other costs. Depending on the seriousness and longevity of your injuries, you could be eligible for disability compensation and Social Security benefits from the federal government. This could complicate the case and make it more challenging to prove without sufficient evidence, testimony, and medical evaluations.
Seeking Legal Help with Your Case
If you or a loved one is recovering from a job-related injury, you could receive workers’ compensation. Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC, at (800) 603-4224, to speak with a team member about your workers’ compensation case. You can share the specifics of your situation with us during a free case review. Call us today.
