Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

If you were injured at work or suffered an illness due to your job duties, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, understand that this may not be a smooth process; It’s unlikely your employer and their insurance company will gladly hand over enough money to provide for your family while you are out of work.  Insurance companies are strategic and will do whatever they can to give you the least compensation possible, and even outright deny the claim. Even the tiniest flaw in your case may provide some way for insurance companies to discredit you. The best way to prepare for the road ahead is to hire a successful workers’ compensation lawyer. Here are two things a skilled lawyer can do expertly that will make all the difference between winning and losing your case:  

Gather and Develop Evidence

  One of the top reasons workers’ comp claims are denied is poor evidence. It’s understandable that you do not have the time or the will to gather sufficient evidence while injured because your health is your #1 priority. A good attorney will work hard for you and gather all the evidence needed to win a fair settlement. Ideally, your lawyer will have a strong network of medical and professional experts to serve as witnesses during the case. Your lawyer may also help build your case by recommending appropriate doctors to treat your injury and obtaining necessary medical records. They may see fit to track down witnesses in areas other than medical, such as your job duties, regular activities, and possibly unsafe working conditions. In other words, it’s not enough simply for your claim to be honest and authentic. You need solid and strategic evidence to win a fair settlement and a good lawyer is an expert at gathering such evidence.  

Negotiate with the Insurance Company

  The insurance company will often use sneaky tactics to give you an unfair settlement. A skilled lawyer will have plenty of experience dealing with  insurance company tricks. A good lawyer will  recognize when the company makes a very poor offer or pretends they won’t offer anything better. There are many factors that determine the monetary value of a claim, including  your disability rating, cost of medical treatment, and previous wages. A successful lawyer will consider all of these factors and more when developing your case and negotiating with insurance companies.  If you were to file a claim without a lawyer, you may be tempted to take the first offer from the insurance company, unknowingly missing out on a much larger settlement. An attorney will know how much money you really deserve and won’t settle for anything less.   Gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies can make or break a claim. When done well, you will receive a very fair settlement. When done poorly, you risk receiving an unfair settlement or none at all. Hiring a successful lawyer who has plenty of experience gathering top notch evidence and dealing with insurance companies is the best thing you can do to get the money you deserve.   ——————————————————————————   This is only general information on workers’ compensation that can be applied in most states. It is important to remember that every state holds different laws and every case is different. Always consult with a local attorney for advice on a specific incident.   The Hayes Firm can get you in touch with a local lawyer today. We will find you the best workers’ comp attorney in your area, completely free of charge. Simply describe your situation using the online form to the right of this screen or by calling 1-800-603-6833 and we will review your case as soon as possible.