Why Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney? An Overview

According to reports, workers’ compensation insurance benefits paid in 2019 amounted to $62.9 billion. This sounds like a huge number. But the reality is that a lot of workers’ comp claims go underpaid. While some claims go through without an issue, others can be a tough battle. In some cases, workers end up settling for less compensation than they deserve.

Have you been injured at work and are about to file a workers’ compensation claim? If so, you might be wise to hire a workers’ compensation attorney. Not all cases require the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney. However, for some situations, having an attorney on your side can be the make-or-break factor that gets you fair compensation.

Are you wondering whether your case requires the help of a workers’ compensation attorney? Keep reading to find out.

What Does a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Do?

Workers’ compensation lawyers specialize in workers comp cases. Not only do they have an in-depth knowledge of personal and workplace injury law, but they also have specialized experience in dealing with various types of workers comp claims.

In most cases, a workers’ compensation attorney represents workers and employees, not employers. Their job is to help victims of workplace injury or illness get the compensation they’re entitled to. Unfortunately, there are various problems that can pop up in a workers’ comp case. In some instances, employers actively try to deny that the injury occurred in the workplace, or even occurred at all.

Other times, the insurer tries its best to pay out less than an employee’s entitled to. This is the most common in cases that involve serious injury and high compensation amounts. And in other situations yet, issues can arise from miscommunications between medical experts, and insurers, and confusion with medical appointments with the authorized treating physician.

Whatever the problem is, an attorney for workers’ compensation can protect your interests and fight on your behalf for a fair claim. They can also help you avoid process-related issues, such as streamlining communication between medical and insurer staff.

How a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help Your Case

Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer can greatly help increase the success of your claim. As mentioned before, a lot of small claims often go through without major issues. However, when it comes to larger claims and more serious injuries, things can get complicated.

If they do, having a workers’ compensation attorney can be crucial for ensuring you get fair compensation. Here are some of the ways a workers’ compensation lawyer will help your case.

Guide You Through the Claim Process

One of the core ways a workers’ compensation attorney can assist is by guiding you through the claim process. If you have never had to file a workers’ compensation claim, navigating the process can be confusing, especially if yours is a complicated claim.

What’s more, workers’ compensation systems vary by state. Different states have varying features around compensation amounts, qualifying injuries, and how medical care is delivered. The last thing you want to do is compromise your claim by taking an action that disqualifies you from compensation or prolongs the claims process.

A workers’ compensation attorney will ensure that you follow the proper procedure for your state.

Ensure You Get Adequate Compensation

One of the biggest overarching benefits of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is they can ensure you get adequately compensated for your injury. Having legal help in your corner prevents insurers from taking you for a ride and paying out less than they should. It also helps to ensure that your employer plays by the rules.

Workers’ compensation lawyers know how to handle insurance companies that are trying to underpay. They also have in-depth knowledge of qualifying injuries and their corresponding compensation amounts. Any good workers’ compensation attorney will also have extensive experience dealing in similar injury cases. Therefore, they have intimate knowledge of the consequences of different workplace injuries.

For instance, if you are likely to suffer ongoing impairments, a workers’ comp attorney can evaluate how this will impact you. If it is likely to cause future loss of earnings, the attorney will fight for extra compensation for you.

Get the Right Evidence

Gathering the right medical evidence is vital for a successful claim. Doing this on your own is possible. However, for complex cases, the help of a workers’ compensation attorney can be invaluable. They will know what evidence you need to prove your case, and which medical experts can provide it.

Ascertain Whether You Also Have a Personal Injury Claim

In some special cases, you might have a personal injury claim along with your workers’ compensation claim. A common example where you might have two claims, is if you were driving while working for your employer, and another driver crashed into you.  You would have a workers’ compensation claim, as well as a third-party negligence claim against the at-fault driver.  

In these situations, having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in both workers comp AND personal injury, will make sure you maximize both claims and don’t do anything in one claim that could jeopardize the other.  

Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Do you have a workplace injury claim that’s complicated or for a large amount? If so, you should definitely seek out the services of a workers’ compensation attorney. Even if your claim isn’t big or complex, you can still benefit from the assistance of a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can guide you through the claims process, and ensure you are following your state’s specific system.

If you need a workers’ compensation lawyer to spearhead your case, and are located in the Nashville area, we’re here to help. One of our areas of legal specialty here at Reasonover Law Firm is workers’ compensation.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation and let us defend your rights and get you the compensation you deserve.