Understanding On-the-Job Injuries
If you have ever been injured on the job, you understand how distressing such an injury can be. Not only is there physical pain to deal with, but there is also emotional stress.
Common concerns include:
- Will I lose my job?
- How will I be able to pay for the medical expenses?
- Will I be able to work again?
With all of the uncertainty and fear, it is a great idea to have a professional on your side looking out for your best interests. Hiring a trained workers’ compensation attorney can be of significant help in the case of an on-the-job injury and can save you time, energy, stress, and money.
How an Attorney Can Help
When you are injured on the job, you may not know what steps to take or in what order. A workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process and also:
- Gather and secure evidence for your case by collecting medical records, statements from witnesses, and incident reports.
- Schedule or recommend medical treatment with appropriate physicians.
- Gather medical opinions to be used in support of your case.
- Manage any depositions of medical experts.
When Legal Representation is Not Needed
There may be a few instances where it is not necessary to have a workers’ compensation attorney working with you. In these cases, it may be plausible to handle the case on your own.
Examples include:
- If your workplace injury was very minor. For example, you suffered a minor sprain or cut requiring a few stitches.
- If you missed little or no work due to the injury.
- Your employer openly admits that the injury did, in fact, occur on the job.
- There was no pre-existing condition that may have led up to the injury.
When an Attorney Becomes Essential
There are many more reasons that might lead to the necessity for a workers’ compensation attorney to be a strong supporter in your corner. These might include:
- Your employer denies your claim.
- You now suffer from medical issues prohibiting you from returning to work.
- Your superior punishes you in some way for filing a claim.
- You receive Social Security disability benefits.
Advantages of Hiring an Attorney
There is a diverse skill set unique to a workers’ compensation attorney that may be beneficial in an on-the-job injury case.
- A workers’ compensation attorney has a much better idea of the value of a claim than the workers they represent and could make sure your claim is filed properly and that the value is maximized to your benefit.
- A workers’ compensation attorney can make sure your settlement agreement is properly put together.
- A workers’ compensation attorney can file a lawsuit, if necessary, in your case.
- A workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that you get all of the benefits you are qualified to get.
The workers’ compensation system, originally designed to protect employees injured on the job, now seems to favor protecting the employers and insurance companies.
They have many attorneys working hard on their side to protect their interests. Shouldn’t you have someone on your side as well?
If you have been injured on the job and would like to have a legal professional trained in workers’ compensation cases on your side, give Mckenzie & Snyder LLP a call today: (513) 737-5180.
