A Work injury lawyer can help you obtain the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to if you suffer an accident at work. A workers’ comp claim covers your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages, typically 2/3 of your gross weekly earnings before deductions. A seasoned attorney can guide you through the claims process and ensure that all of your medical records, treatment expenses and formal statements are in order.
A Workers’ compensation attorney can also handle any disputes that arise regarding your claim. This includes when your employer or their insurance company try to deny your injury or argue that your condition is not serious enough to warrant benefits. In these cases, your lawyer can fight for you at a hearing presided over by WCB judges.
The scope of injuries and conditions covered by workers’ comp is broad, from sprained joints to heart attacks or psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. You may even be eligible for benefits if your work-related injury or illness prevents you from returning to your previous job or any job at all, and a workers’ comp attorney can help you secure weekly payments or a lump sum payment to cover those losses.
It is important to report your injury immediately, and the sooner you do so, the more likely you are to receive the benefits to which you are entitled. You can also strengthen your case by seeing an authorized medical provider for all your treatment, which will help you avoid issues with your claim later. An experienced attorney can explain this process and recommend a doctor that will be in your best interest.
An attorney can also help you avoid any pitfalls that might hinder your claim later on, such as a pre-existing health issue that the insurer tries to blame for your recent workplace injury. A skilled attorney can leverage medical evidence to show a clear link between your injury and the work you do, helping you to get the compensation you deserve.
Some workers’ compensation cases, particularly those involving permanent disabilities, can be complicated and time-consuming. Insurance companies will often do everything they can to deny or limit your benefits, but a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney can help you secure the financial support you need now and into the future.
Your lawyers should have compassion for your situation and be able to communicate effectively. If your lawyer seems aloof or does not speak clearly, you should consider hiring another firm. An experienced New York work injury lawyer can also provide you with a free consultation to review your case and alert you to any pitfalls that might be lurking. They can also help you file a workers’ comp claim, defend your claim in a hearing or appeals case and negotiate a settlement. They can even help you pursue compensation from a third party in certain situations.