when do i need a lawyer for workers comp youtube

There are multiple situations that require a workers comp lawyer. Here are just a few: You have pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions make it difficult to tell what part of your injury/illness is work-related. If the injury/illness has to do with your pre-existing condition, you need a lawyer.

Full Answer

When to get a lawyer for a Workers Comp case?

When You Should Get a Lawyer for Workers Compensation As soon as you decide to contest the settlement decision. At that point, workers compensation can quickly turn into a legal jungle of paperwork, deadlines, depositions and evidence gathering. It’s easy to get lost if you don’t know what you’re doing. What an Attorney Will Do for You

Why do I need a workers compensation attorney?

An attorney not only will prepare your argument, he or she will prepare you to say the right things in testimony. They also will cross-examine the insurance company’s witnesses. That job should not be left up to amateurs. Unlike civil cases, workers compensation lawhas a safety net of sort.

How important is timeliness in Workers Compensation Law?

In workers compensation law, then, timeliness is pivotal. As every investigator knows, an inverse relationship exists between the value of evidence and the time it is collected. That is, the longer you wait, the less it is worth.

Can I file a workers comp lawsuit outside of my employer?

If you have a third-party claim – You can go outside the workers comp system and file a workers comp lawsuit if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury. For instance, if a negligent driver hits you while you are driving for work, you can sue that person for damages.

How long does it take to file a workers comp claim?

Reporting regulations and deadlines vary from state to state, but it should typically take no longer than 30 days to complete this process.

What does an attorney do for you?

A lawyer will file the paperwork on time, build your case, negotiate with the insurance company and draft a settlement, if one is agreed on. If it’s not, you’re headed for a hearing.

What to do if your insurance doesn't agree with your rating?

If the insurance company doesn’t agree with the rating, it can require you to get an independent medical exam (IME) by a doctor of its choosing. Chances are that doctor will give you a lower rating than what you (and your sore neck) feel you deserve. A lawyer can help convince a judge you are entitled to a higher rating.

Do attorneys cross-examine witnesses?

An attorney not only will prepare your argument, he or she will prepare you to say the right things in testimony. They also will cross-examine the insurance company’s witnesses. That job should not be left up to amateurs. Unlike civil cases, workers compensation law has a safety net of sort.

Is it bad to handle workers compensation?

Unless you’re an attorney or enjoy reading workers compensation manuals in your spare time, probably not. Handling a case on your own is usually a bad idea, especially since the insurance company will be represented by someone who’s probably handled hundreds of cases.

Can a twisted back turn into a knee surgery?

However, if your work injury is serious and things get contentious between you and your employer or the insurance carrier handling the case, there is no question that it’s in your best interests to at least talk to a workers comp lawyer. A twisted knee or strained back can turn into knee or back surgery and things get serious very quickly.

Can you file a workers comp lawsuit if you are a third party?

If you have a third-party claim – You can go outside the workers comp system and file a workers comp lawsuit if someone other than your employer contributed to your injury. For instance, if a negligent driver hits you while you are driving for work, you can sue that person for damages.

How long does a workers comp claim last?

By contrast, because there routinely are ongoing disputes over evolving issues — your claim is denied; you’re having trouble getting medical care; you’re unable to return to your previous job; your disabilities are disputed — workers comp cases can last for years, even decades.

Do you wait until things stop going smoothly?

Most workers just want to get healthy and get back to being productive. But waiting until things stop going smoothly isn’t useful. The earlier you take on legal representation, the more likely the gatekeepers of your care are to be cooperative.

Can employers dissuade workers from filing workers comp?

Employers, who despise the knock-on effects of higher premiums associated with claims, will attempt to dissuade workers from filing a workers comp claim “even when they’ve had a legitimate on-the-job accident, ” she says.

Is timeliness important in workers compensation?

In workers compensation law, then, timeliness is pivotal. As every investigator knows, an inverse relationship exists between the value of evidence and the time it is collected. That is, the longer you wait, the less it is worth.

Can you appeal workers compensation if you are permanently disabled?

You are permanently disabled, either totally or in part, and the insurer resists your rating. Your employer and insurer fail to pay workers compensation benefits promptly, counting on you not to file an appeal.