Whether you work in manufacturing, an industrial company, or public school, accidents may occur. From slips and falls to injuring yourself on a machine, workplace injuries are more common than you may realize. Although shocking for some people to learn, an estimated 2.9 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses were reported by workplaces in 2015 alone. Most of the injured workers received an evaluation by a medical professional and any necessary treatment, but they may have suffered financially, physically, and emotionally due to injury. If you have recently been injured while on the job, consulting an attorney is essential in certain situations. With this guide, you will know when to contact an attorney after a workplace injury.
You Are Unable to Work
If you have acquired a medical complication that prevents you from completing your job, you must contact an attorney. It is important to note that complications are not only physical injuries. Injured, broken, or torn limbs, ligaments, joints, and muscles may prevent you from completing physical work, but injuries to your head, brain, and spine may also affect your physical, emotional, and intellectual ability.
Missing time at work alters your reputation, your position, and any future goals you have with your company. In addition, missing work and losing pay does enormous damage to your finances. Most people who are injured on the job lose the ability to pay their bills and basic living expenses.
Your attorney will file a claim on your behalf, helping you receive compensation for not only the injury, but also for the time and income you will lose when missing work.
You Do Not Understand the Process
A large portion of workers feel they understand the worker's compensation process. However, most people do not realize the overwhelming nature of filing a claim. Improper filing of a worker's comp claim may cause you to miss out on benefits that are important to your livelihood.
Hiring an experienced attorney is imperative if you want your claim handled in an effective and efficient manner.
Your Employer Is Penalizing You
If your employer is penalizing or threatening you after you file your worker's compensation claim, you must seek counsel from an attorney. Unfortunately, this is a common issue that occurs in workplaces, since companies and business owners will be worried about potential lawsuits, increased insurance premiums, and large settlements. Here are a few ways your employer may try to penalize you:
If you are experiencing one or more of the above signs, your employer is trying to retaliate against you for filing a worker's compensation claim. Make sure to document this retaliation and provide your attorney with this information.
Your Claim Was Denied
If you filed your worker's compensation claim on your own, you may receive notice that it was denied due to improper documentation or insufficient evidence. In these instances, you will need to file an appeal. Although this is possible to complete on your own, your appeal will have a higher chance of success if filed by a professional attorney.
An attorney will be able to determine the exact reason your claim was denied. Then, he or she will file an appeal in a clear, concise manner. This professional help will reduce your risk of further complications and get you the financial help you will need while recovering from your injury.
Most people already understand the importance of visiting a doctor after sustaining an injury in the workplace, but knowing if and when to consult an attorney is also wise. Using this guide, you will be able to determine if it is time to contact a legal professional after an injury or illness at work.
Share12 January 2017
I have never been someone who likes the idea of suing another person, but after my family was plowed into by a drunk driver with no regard for the law, my tune changed. I realized that I needed to do what I could in order to make things right, so I started looking for a lawyer who could help me to fight for the settlement I deserved. It took a few months in court, but by the time I won my settlement, I felt a lot better about things. This blog is all about getting the legal help you need when you need it the most.