Is A Workers’ Comp Lawyer Necessary For My Case?
Bryan Greenberg
Workers’ Compensation
When you’re injured at work, you likely have a million thoughts running through your mind. Not only are you stressed by the injuries and your recovery, but you’re also wondering when and how you’ll be able to get back to work and above water once again. In the state of Florida, businesses are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees as long as that business has at least 1 non-owner employee. However, it’s not always easy to get the compensation you need and deserve. After suffering a work-related injury or illness, you may be thinking about whether or not you should hire a workers' comp lawyer to represent your case. This answer isn’t always a simple one, and it depends on the complexity of your case and whether or not your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance is working well with you. In some instances, an employer or their insurance provider may try to give you a difficult time in getting compensation, hoping that they’ll save themselves money from the payout.
When You Can Represent Yourself
Sometimes, a worker can represent themselves in a workers’ compensation case, and their case is likely to go well with few hiccups. This can be done in uncomplicated situations such as the following:
• You have minor injuries – If you received a cut that required a couple of stitches, or if you stumbled and lightly sprained an ankle, your workers’ compensation case should be fairly simple.
• You missed little to no work –Compensation for a half day of missed work while you’re getting a stitch or two is not likely to cause much complication.
• Your employer readily works with you – If your employer admits that the injury happened at work, and they’re ready to work with you in getting compensation, you may not need a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Even in these “simple” cases, it still pays to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer just to make sure your case will go smoothly. They know all the issues that can derail your case, and they’ll be able to advise you on how to handle the situation.
When You Need The Representation Of A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Complexity can quickly arise in workers’ compensation cases, so you may soon find yourself in a mess of a situation without a lawyer on your side. You should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer if you encounter the following:
• Your employer denies your claim – There is a chance that even the most legitimate claim will be denied by an employer, adding extra layers of stress to your situation. Employers may feel confident that employees won’t appeal, and in many cases, they’re correct. If your claim is denied, call your workers’ compensation lawyer at once.
• The claim settlement amount doesn’t cover your medical bills – It’s not uncommon for workers’ compensation providers to lowball claims in an effort to save money. In those instances, a workers’ compensation lawyer can fight for you in getting proper compensation.
• Your employer retaliates against you – If you’ve suddenly been demoted or terminated after a workers’ compensation claim, remember that you have rights. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can help make sure you’re not being treated unfairly after your accident or illness.
• You plan to apply for social security disability payments – If your injury is severe and leads to permanent or temporary disability, your workers’ compensation benefits may lower your disability payment amount. Your lawyer can ensure that you get the settlement you need.