Hurt At Work? A Few Times You Need A Worker's Compensation Attorney
If you have been injured while performing work for your employer, you are probably entitled to receive money from your employer's worker's compensation insurance. This is a type of insurance almost every employer in the U.S. must keep if it has employees. This coverage is there to pay any medical bills incurred due to the accident or injury as well as to provide you with income if you are unable to return to work. In most cases, the process is simple; you and your employer file the necessary paperwork, and the insurance company takes it from there. However, there may be times when things don't go so easily and you will require legal help. Here are a few times you should contact a worker's compensation attorney.
Denied Claim
Sometimes the insurance company will find a reason they feel you do not meet the requirements for worker's compensation. This could happen if the injury occurred outside of the workplace but you were performing a task for the boss. You may also be denied if there is a question as to whether the injury was work-related, such as filing due to carpal tunnel syndrome or the aggravation of an existing physical problem like a bad knee or back problems. An experienced lawyer knows how to appeal the denial and show proof that you do in fact have a valid claim.
Loss of Employment
It is illegal to fire you due to a worker's compensation claim. If you will be unable to perform your normal job duties, your employer needs to try and find a way that you will still be able to perform your job. This could include a special chair to keep your back straight or allowing you to sit down in a seat that allows you to continue to work at a job that normally requires standing. However, and this is where it gets tricky, if there is no way to accommodate your limitations, the employer can then legally let you go. A good lawyer may help find a way for you to continue to work while maintaining your physical restrictions.
While it is a good idea to file your claim with your employer without legal help, be prepared to contact a lawyer the minute something goes wrong. Your healing process may slow down if you are under any undue stress. Having financial worries because you are not receiving worker's compensation may delay your return to work and financial stability. Get in touch with a worker's compensation attorney to keep your stress to a minimum and your family financially stable. Check out websites like http://leifericksonlawoffice.com to learn more.
