Do You Need A Workers' Comp Lawyer? 8 Ways To Know
Being injured on the job can be an ordeal, but your workers' comp insurance provides workers like you with a valuable benefit, and at no cost to you. If you qualify, you can expect to have your injury-related medical expenses totally covered, as well as compensation for a portion of your pay while you recuperate at home. When everything goes as it should, you will recover from your injuries and return to work, all without incurring any significant financial losses. Unfortunately, there may come a time when you begin to suspect that all is not well with your claim. To learn more about 8 situations that could signal that you need professional legal support with your workers' comp claim, read on.
1. Even though you informed your supervisor of your injury, no claim has yet been filed. In fact, you suspect that your supervisor doubts that you have a valid claim at all.
2. You are having to take care of your medical bills yourself, either with your own health insurance or by using your own funds. Be sure to keep good records and let your doctors and your insurance company know that your injury was work-related. The insurance company will seek reimbursement from the workers' comp insurance company in that instance, but only if you have a claim on file.
3. You have suffered from a catastrophic and severe injury, such as a brain or spinal injury, or an amputation. You have been told by doctors that a full recovery to pre-injury functioning is not likely, and you suspect that you may not be able to work at any job again.
4. Your injury caused you to be hospitalized for an extended period of time, and/or resulted in surgery. The seriousness of your medical condition could put you in need of compensation for pain and suffering.
5. The employer's workers' comp insurance company or your states' workers' comp board has handed down an adversary ruling in regard to your claim. In most cases, you have the right to appeal, but you may be facing a tight deadline for that process.
6. Your injury falls into a more-difficult-to-prove category, such as PTSD or other mental health disorders.
7. You are being told that you must now return to work or risk losing your job. Workers' comp may require you to undergo an independent medical exam, and the results of that exam could leave you facing the potential loss of continuing benefits.
8. You have an injury that was caused by a repetitive movement that slowly affected you. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome can be brought on by constant typing or other small movements that involve your wrist. This type of injury could be more challenging to prove.
If you feel uncomfortable about facing these or any other workers' comp situations alone, contact an attorney without delay.