why do you need a workers comp lawyer

The cases where injured employees can benefit from a lawyer the most include:

• Injuries to the neck and back, which can develop into severe spinal problems requiring an operation
• Injuries to joints, like knees and shoulders, which are often way worse than you think
• Inpatient hospitalization
• Surgery
• A broken bone
• Referrals to medical specialists like orthopedists, neurosurgeons, or neurologists
• Paralysis

More items...

Full Answer

When should employers hire a workers' comp lawyer?

May 13, 2015 · Why Do You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney? Before you hire a workers’ compensation attorney, you must notify your employer about any injury or illness you developed on the job, related to your job.

How much does a workers' comp lawyer charge?

Jan 04, 2021 · An experienced workers' comp attorney can help you present your case in the most convincing light possible, by helping you prepare for the workers' comp hearing, highlighting the strengths of your case with supporting evidence, and questioning witnesses effectively. A lawyer can also ensure that you don’t lose your case on a technicality because you failed to follow a …

How do workers compensation lawyers get paid?

One of the biggest overarching benefits of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is they can ensure you get adequately compensated for your injury. Having legal help in your corner prevents insurers from taking you for a ride and paying out less than they should. It also helps to ensure that your employer plays by the rules.

What is federal workers comp attorney?

Mar 11, 2021 · In most cases, you need a lawyer to get workers’ compensation benefits and ensure you get all that you are entitled to. You should hire a lawyer when the process appears to be complicated. Here are some examples of some possible complications:

What does a workers comp attorney do?

Your workers comp attorney will make sure that you are protected from illegal retaliation and that the compensation you receive is based on your medical and financial needs, not the profit-driven motives of your employer and their insurer.

Who is Randy Alberhasky?

When it comes to workers’ compensation cases , Randy Alberhasky has over 25 years of experience. During his legal career he has personally tried over 200 workers’ compensation hearings and jury trials in courts throughout the State of Missouri. Many people who have suffered from a workplace injury and illness are unaware of the legal action they can take to receive the financial compensation that they’re entitled to. The Alberhasky Law Firm, P.C. is proud to help our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Is it hard to file a workers compensation claim?

Processing a workers compensation claim involves an overwhelming amount of work and is very difficult to handle by yourself, especially when you need to focus on recovering from your injuries.

Why do you need an attorney for workers comp?

With that in mind, these are the top reasons for hiring an attorney. 1. Hire a Workers’ Comp Attorney to Evaluate the Claim .

What does a workers compensation attorney do?

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will work to protect your rights. They are on your side, which means they are focused on what course of action is in your best interest. Employers want to protect themselves, and the insurance company wants to spend as little money as possible.

How to file a workers compensation claim?

A lawyer will do the following to help you get started with your claim: 1 Collect details of the incident and document everything 2 Ensure you see a medical care provider 3 Notify the employer 4 Help you navigate the required Independent Medical Examination (IME) to eliminate the possibility of your employer disputing your claim. 5 Respond to the employer or workers’ compensation insurance adjuster with requests for more information 6 Ensure all actions take place in a timely manner

Why is my workers comp claim denied?

One reason for denial is if you have a pre-existing condition in the area of the injury. A workers’ comp doctor may say all your pain is from the other condition and not from the injury , so the claim is denied. 6. An Attorney Can Negotiate a Settlement Offer.

Can you file a claim against a third party?

However, there is one situation where they may be able to file a claim against a third party . This situation occurs when someone other than the employer is at fault for the injury which occurred at work. You will most often see this situation when multiple vendors or contractors are working on the same job site.

Can you have a pre-existing condition?

You don’t have a pre-existing condition which can complicate matters. Although one or more of these scenarios might describe your situation, you may want to contact an attorney for a free evaluation. They can offer legal advice to warn you of possible complications that would require their services.

Can You Afford a Workers' Comp Lawyer?

Before discussing the merits of hiring a workers' comp attorney, it makes sense to ask whether you can afford to hire one. Fortunately, workers’ comp attorneys almost always work on a contingency fee basis (by taking a percentage of the settlement or award they're able to win for you).

When Your Workers' Comp Claim Has Been Denied

You should consult with a workers' comp lawyer if the insurance company denied your claim or disputes any part of it, such as your need for certain medical treatment or time away from work. Insurance companies often routinely deny workers' comp claims, assuming that injured employees won’t appeal or challenge the decision.

When You Have a Serious Work-Related Injury or Illness

You'll probably need an attorney to handle your claim if you suffered a serious injury—especially one that requires surgery—or your work caused a chronic condition like a repetitive stress injury (RSI) or an occupational illness. A moderate to severe injury means higher medical bills, more in lost wages, and a higher permanent disability award.

If You Have Preexisting Conditions

If you had a previous injury to the part of your body affected by your recent workplace injury, the insurance company may argue that your current medical condition is due to the preexisting condition.

When You're Not Able to Return to Work After an Injury

If your work-related injury or illness affects your long-term ability to work, a lawyer can be essential to getting a settlement or award that's large enough to cover a fair portion of your future wage loss. This is especially true if you'll never be able to work in the same capacity as you did before your injury.

Contact an Attorney

If you have questions about your workers' comp application or need help filing an appeal, contact an experienced workers' comp lawyer right away. Most attorneys offer a free consultation and charge no fee unless you win your case.

What is a workers comp attorney?

A knowledgeable workers' comp attorney is essential in cases involving permanent injuries or illness. You receive or plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

What to do if you can't agree on a settlement?

If you can't agree on a good settlement, an attorney can prepare for and represent you at the hearing or trial. Learn more about what a good workers' comp lawyer should do and what to look for in a workers' comp attorney.

Can you sue someone for work related injuries?

You were injured because of a third party's actions or your employer's serious misconduct conduct. The workers' comp system was designed to prevent civil lawsuits for work-related injuries. However, you are permitted to sue outside workers' comp in certain situations, including when someone other than your employer contributed to your injury ...

Can you represent yourself without an attorney?

When You Can Probably Represent Yourself. As a general rule, you may be able to get by without an attorney if all of the following statements are true: You suffered a minor workplace injury, such as a twisted ankle or a cut requiring a few stitches. Your employer admits that the injury happened at work.

Can an employer deny workers comp?

Your employer denies your claim or doesn't pay your benefits promptly. Employers and workers' comp insurers routinely reject bona fide workers' comp claims, confident that many workers will fail to appeal. Unfortunately, they're usually correct.