If you get hurt on the job, it’s important to let your employer know immediately and seek medical treatment right away.
You also need to talk to a qualified workers compensation attorney as soon as possible.
Why is this necessary? Why not just let your employer’s insurer pay whatever they think is right?
Here’s the reality: Trying to recover workers comp benefits without a lawyer can result in unnecessary delays or even an outright denial.
For one thing, the workers comp system is a complex web of regulations that is hard to navigate on your own. Second of all, your employer and their insurance company do not always have your best interests at heart.
Let’s take a closer look at why you need a good workers comp lawyer on your side.
#1: You Have Been Hurt at Work
Even if you don’t think your injuries are bad enough to qualify for benefits, a workers comp attorney will have the objectivity to verify whether this is truly the case. And it costs you nothing to schedule a consultation. A few factors will affect the amount of benefits you’ll be entitled to:- Whether your injuries require surgery
- If you are having any physical or mental problems of a permanent nature
- Whether you have a permanent partial disability and the doctor believes you won’t return to pre-accident condition
- Whether you can no longer do your current job but could work in some other capacity
- Whether you have a permanent disability and can no longer work at any job
- Whether you had pre-existing disabilities
#2: The Workers Comp System Is Complex
Processing a workers compensation claim involves an overwhelming amount of work and is very difficult to handle by yourself, especially when you need to focus on recovering from your injuries.- Workplace injury claims involve many more steps and red tape than similar claims.
- If you have suffered a permanent disability your attorney will know how to gather the evidence needed to prove it.
- Your employer’s insurance company may require a second opinion in order to verify the severity of your injuries.
#3: You Need to Know the Type of Workers Compensation You Qualify For
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for long-term Social Security Disability benefits or disability compensation for a workplace injury. Determining this requires extensive time-consuming research and in-depth understanding of legal jargon. Your attorney will know the difference and how the claims process differs for each one.#4: Employers and Insurers May Try to Deny Your Claim
You may feel that your relationship with your employer is good enough that they’ll take care of you in your time of need. But no matter how polite your boss is when talking to you in person, they still have to think about the bottom line and how your claim will cause their insurance premiums to go up. The unfortunate truth is that your employer and their insurance company both have a vested interest in making sure you receive as little as possible, or better yet — for them, anyway — nothing at all. In some cases you may fear retaliation which could range from harassment, demotion to even firing, if you assert your workers comp rights. Your workers comp attorney will make sure that you are protected from illegal retaliation and that the compensation you receive is based on your medical and financial needs, not the profit-driven motives of your employer and their insurer.#5: You May Not Receive Your Benefits
Even after a favorable decision, you may notice that you aren’t getting the weekly benefit checks you’re entitled to, or that your medical bills aren’t being paid, even though you are only seeing doctors authorized by your employer. In this scenario, your attorney will hold your employer’s insurance company accountable so that you receive 100% of the benefits you deserve. Workers comp attorney Randy Alberhasky has the experience needed to assess the facts of your case and advocate for your interests throughout the whole proceeding. He will make sure your claim is handled correctly and that you receive appropriate compensation for medical bills, financial losses and pain and suffering caused by your injuries. If you need help with a workers comp case, contact The Alberhasky Law firm today to set up a free appointment. To learn more about how the workers compensation system works, check out our previous articles: How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in Missouri? What Is Workers Compensation?About the Author
When it comes to workers’ compensation cases, Randy Alberhasky has over 25 years of experience. During his legal career he has personally tried over 200 workers’ compensation hearings and jury trials in courts throughout the State of Missouri. Many people who have suffered from a workplace injury and illness are unaware of the legal action they can take to receive the financial compensation that they’re entitled to. The Alberhasky Law Firm, P.C. is proud to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.