Getting into an accident and injuring yourself at the workplace can be depressing. For one, you are in pain and need to handle the legal procedure of workers’ compensation. Speaking to a lawyer, updating your employer, checking the status of your workers’ compensation claim, gathering evidence, and other processes can be emotionally and mentally draining.
After a workplace injury, you may wonder whether hiring an attorney is necessary. After all, hiring a legal expert does not come cheap. So, you want to make an informed decision to avoid wasting money. There are certain situations where you need or do not need to hire a Work Injury attorney.
When you do not need to hire a lawyer
Even though the general suggestion for anyone involved in a workplace accident is to hire an attorney, there are certain situations where it is okay if you do not. One such situation is when your employer has accepted your accident report and agreed to provide medical care and cover other damages. As long as the insurance company is paying your hospital bills and lost wages, you do not need an attorney.
This is how you should proceed if everything goes well with your case:
- You should receive medical care for as long as you need it.
- The doctors will inform you upon reaching the Maximum Medical Improvement. Remember that MMI does not mean you have been cured completely, but that your health won’t improve any more than that.
- The insurance company will receive an impairment rating from your doctors.
- The insurance company will pay you an amount according to the impairment rating.
After the insurance company has agreed to pay you for your disability, you should call a lawyer. They can tell you whether the amount you are receiving is just.
When you need a lawyer
In most workers’ compensation claims, the victim should hire a lawyer. Workers’ compensation is a complex area of the law and should not be handled by the inexperienced. Here are some situations where you must consult an experienced and highly qualified workplace injury attorney.
- Your employer does not want to report your injury to the insurance company to avoid an increment in the insurance premiums.
- The insurance company is not paying your medical fees or weekly wages on time.
- The insurance company has denied or rejected your claim.
- Your employer does not consider your injuries/impairment and continues to give you the same workload after you return to work.
- The insurance company wants to pay you a lump sum instead of weekly payments.