If a work-related injury has you at home instead of on the job, you are probably eligible for benefits from your employer's workers' comp plan. This form of insurance can pay hurt workers a partial salary along with all medical expenses — when things go well. Unfortunately, some hurt workers encounter issues with their claims and have a difficult time getting their claims approved. Take a look at a few issues that often pop up that prompt a need for a workers' comp attorney and how to hire one at an affordable price.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
It's safe to say that almost all workers' compensation cases go smoothly. Often, the worker is paid what they are owed, heals from their injuries, and returns to their jobs. When things do go wrong, though, it can be almost impossible for workers to cope with the complications of dealing with an insurance company. Here are just a few common issues some hurt workers run up against:
- The employer claims the accident was not work-related.
- The insurer claims the problem is a result of a preexisting condition.
- The worker is ordered to return to work before the injury is completely healed.
- The worker is offered a settlement that is wholly inadequate.
Hiring a Workers' Comp Lawyer
Workers' compensation is a complex area of the law and only certain types of lawyers deal with it. If you encounter any problems like the ones above or any other issues, talk to a lawyer. Most of them don't charge for a consultation, and you can find out what can be done to alleviate your situation and how to get the benefits you deserve. As for paying the lawyer, there is a solution that allows hurt workers to get the legal help they need without having to spend any money upfront. Contingency fee agreements provide workers with legal services when they need it most, and then the lawyer is paid part of the compensation you win from the insurer.
If you have a problem with the workers' comp carrier, you are probably owed money from either the partial salary or a lump-sum settlement. The workers' comp lawyer is paid once you get paid, using a small percentage of the funds once you win your case. To find out more about workers' compensation legal contingency fee arrangements, speak to a workers' compensation lawyer about your case.
For more information about working with workers' compensation lawyers when you've been injured at work, reach out to a local law firm.
