Are You Entitled To Workers’ Compensation?
If you’ve been hurt at work and require medical treatment, then you may have a right to Workers’ Compensation. This compensation will help cover your medical bills, lost wages and other related expenses.
However, Workers’ Compensation cases aren’t always clear-cut. Your claim can be unfairly denied or certain expenses may not be covered. Maybe your accident didn?t happen at your regular jobsite but it happened while you were performing your work duties? There are a lot of important factors to consider and these may be overwhelming to someone who does not know when they are entitled to a claim.
This is where work injury lawyers can help you. When you are hurt at work, work injury lawyers can advise you on whether you have a Workers’ Compensation case, and if you do, they can give you advice on what benefits you may be entitled to claim.
What Is A Work Injury Lawyer?
A work injury lawyer is an attorney who stands up for workers’ injured while carrying out their work duties. Employees who are hurt at work, and require medical treatment or miss work as a result of their injury, can file for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
In doing this a lawyer can help you understand:
- Whether you have a valid Workers’ Compensation claim
- If you have an additional personal injury suit
- What to do if an employer disputes your claim
- What evidence or important documents you need (such as an accident report, bills or records)
- Your rights about returning to work
- Your rights in relation to disability benefits
- What vocational training you can receive if you need to change jobs
What Benefits Can A Lawyer Help You Get?
If you were hurt on the job (see the most common workplace injuries), then a lawyer may be able to recover some financial loss you may have suffered. Even if you have been injured but are working through it, you may have a claim.
A lawyer will be able to help you receive some of the following benefits:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Long-term care costs
- Scheduled loss of use payments
- Cash Awards
The extent of your injury affects the type of coverage you might receive. Doctors can evaluate the seriousness of injuries or illnesses, and may determine that you have:
- A partial temporary disability
- A partial permanent disability
- A total temporary disability
- A total permanent disability
A lawyer can help review your case, and will determine and fight for the best possible result for your specific situation.
Do You Really Need A Lawyer?
In New York, Workers’ Compensation coverage for employees’ is required by law. Therefore, your employer must have Workers’ Compensation insurance.
Because of this, most employees who are hurt at work should be covered by Workers’ Compensation. You are not required to have a lawyer to receive these benefits, but you do have the right to work with one.
A workplace injury can be defined simply as an injury that happens during the course of your work duties. However, there are a lot of gray areas where claims can be denied or benefits may be reduced, and this is where a lawyer can help you!
Some of the ways a lawyer can help you is if:
- Determine if you have a valid Workers’ Compensation claim
- You need surgery for your injuries
- You believe you won’t be able to return to work because of your injuries
- You think your injury will require you to change jobs
- Your medical claim was denied
- You think you’re not getting the right benefits
- You have a pre-existing condition that makes proving your claim complicated
- You’re not sure how to navigate the Workers’ Comp claim process
How Do You Get Started With A Lawyer?
At our firm, the first step is a no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, one of our expert lawyers will ask you things like:
- Is this the first time you have been injured at work?
- How you were hurt?
- When did the incident happened?
- What are the conditions of your jobsite (for example: to check for specific hazards)?
- Have you already received medical care? Do you still need medical care?
When you suffer a workplace injury, it is best to talk with a lawyer as soon as you can. You need to start collecting documents to support your claim right away and a lawyer will be able to advise you on exactly what you need.
Trying to navigate the Workers Compensation claims process can be complicated. When you’re facing a work-related injury or illness, the last thing you need is even more stress from worrying about your claim. But you don’t need to do it alone.
Disclaimer: For informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for legal advice. If you need legal advice please contact us.
