Hundreds of thousands of workers file workers’ compensation claims each year. These benefits help them during the recovery process when they are injured or become ill on the job. However, many people are denied benefits when they initially apply.
Hiring a workers compensation lawyer increases the odds of being approved for benefits on the first try. These individuals understand the system’s nuances and help workers receive the benefits they are entitled to under the law. Why should a person hire an attorney when they aren’t required to?
Denied Claim
When an employer denies that the illness or injury occurred at work, the employee might worry that they will be responsible for the bills. They need to hire a lawyer to help them resolve the matter. The attorney works with the client to determine whether the illness or injury resulted from actions taken at work.
Employer Behavior
Many employers worry about what will happen when a worker files a claim. They may become stressed or agitated and take it out on their employees. The impacted worker might be threatened or told they no longer have a job. The attorney helps protect the claim and the worker’s job as the process progresses.
Filing Questions
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming. The documents often contain legal jargon that is confusing to the average person. An attorney can walk the injured party through the filing process to ensure nothing is overlooked. Their help increases the odds of the claim being approved.
No Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Employers must maintain insurance to protect workers injured on the job. If an employer fails to keep this policy, injured workers must work with attorneys to receive fair compensation. The attorney helps the worker understand their benefits and options.
Pre-Existing Conditions
Workers with pre-existing conditions often find their claims denied. The employer blames this condition for the injuries or illness. An experienced attorney will work to show how the pre-existing condition is unrelated to the current illness or injury, so the worker receives the compensation they deserve.
Excess Medical Bills
Depending on the type of injury or illness, an employee may find they have excess medical bills and other expenses related to the injury or illness. Lost wage benefits may not cover all of these expenses. Working with an attorney ensures all potential costs are covered, so the employee doesn’t pay out of pocket.
Denied Benefits
Many claims are initially denied. Workers have the right to appeal when their claims are denied. They should hire an attorney to help them determine why the claim wasn’t approved and show proof that the illness or injury directly resulted from the victim’s employment.
Reevaluations
Workers may be surprised to learn that the employer or their insurance company may request a reevaluation after benefits have been approved. This reevaluation looks at whether the worker’s health has improved or if there have been other charges related to the disability. Hiring an attorney helps the worker, as the attorney will fight to ensure they continue receiving their benefits.
Attorneys also work with clients who struggle to pay their bills and need their lost wages. The attorney supports the injured worker in other ways and advocates on their behalf. They walk the client through the complexities of the case and provide the injured worker with peace of mind, knowing their claim is being handled properly.