Nobody likes getting injured or going to court. You might have to do both if you ever have a workers' compensation case. This doesn't have to be a big ordeal as long as you get help from a workers' compensation attorney. These are the lawyers that will defend your rights and also be sure that you get paid enough. Below you will learn about workers' compensation cases so that you are well-equipped to handle it.
#1: Find out about your workers' compensation eligibility
Business owners have insurance that helps them pay for workers' compensation claims. But you need to be sure that you are eligible before trying to claim your benefits. Your job is required by law to give you a pamphlet that apprises you of these rights at the time of your hiring. You are eligible for benefits as long as you are an employee and not an independent contractor. The sickness or injury that you suffer has to be work-related and to have happened on the job. Some common workers' compensation injuries include bruises, lacerations, chemical injuries, spinal injuries, concussions, sprains, and repetitive use injuries. People that work in factories or in other forms of manual labor are particularly at risk for workers' compensation injuries.
#2: Call a lawyer and create a plan of action
Start meeting with workers' compensation attorneys who can give you reasonable advice on your potential claim. Their first word of advice will be to notify your job as soon as possible. After your job has been notified, they are required to give you a form to fill out detailing your injuries and what happened. They have an obligation to take your claim seriously and to respond to you in earnest.
Your workers' compensation lawyer will let you know your options and can also help you with any negotiations that you have with the company. Settlements are straightforward when your company quickly goes to its insurance company to address the claim. If there are stalls and delays, or if your company refuses to pay, your workers' compensation lawyer can help you take it to court.
#3: Get medical care and set yourself up for your post-injury recovery
Take your medical care seriously so you can minimize the time that you spend out of work. Let your lawyer know about every medical visit and any other expenses that rack up. Paying for your lawyer will cost you roughly 15%-25% of the payment that you get. So if your workers' compensation injuries cost $100,000, your lawyer will collect $15,000-$25,000. Shop for groceries, get plenty of bed rest, and make sure your home is clean so you can recuperate in peace.
These three tips can help you with your next workers' compensation claim.
