In 2020, there were 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, which is down from 2.8 million in 2019. While a decrease is good news, it still doesn’t change the fact that many people are injured or get sick while on the job.
Should that happen to you, it can heavily impact your life. To cover your hardships, you need to claim workers’ compensation. And having a lawyer can help greatly.
Here’s what a workers’ compensation attorney does and why you should hire a lawyer for your case.
What Does a Workers’ Comp Attorney Do?
First and foremost, a workers’ comp attorney is your voice. They’re there to advocate for your rights and make sure you’re not taken advantage of.
To do this, they’ll start with gathering all the relevant evidence for your case. This includes medical records, testimony from medical experts, statements from friends and family, evidence of poor workplace safety, etc.
Your lawyer will also negotiate your workers compensation settlement and agreement so you get the best deal possible. They’ll recognize low-ball offers from insurance companies so you get fair compensation for your suffering.
In addition, they can represent you at the hearing or trial. If you’re not happy with the results of your trial, a local attorney can also assist in making an appeal.
Lastly, your lawyer can advise you on any legal matters you’re concerned with. They can also help you with other potential benefits, such as wage reimbursement and long-term disability insurance benefits.
Why Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Case?
Legal processes can be long and confusing. You’re already not feeling great, so you don’t need to add more stress on top of everything. Trying to learn all the legal jargon and laws surrounding everything will be near impossible, and not to mention, exhausting.
When you hire an attorney, the burden of the case is all on them. They’ve got the experience and knowledge to recognize when your employer and/or their insurance company are trying to take advantage of you. They’ll also know exactly what you need to submit to build the strongest case possible.
You won’t have to worry about paying them upfront either. Most work charge a contingency fee, which means you only pay them if your case wins. And the fee comes out of the amount you’re awarded.
Get Legal Help When You’re Injured on the Job
If you get injured or sick on the job, don’t hesitate to hire a lawyer. Your employer probably will only do the minimal work possible to get you compensation, so you need someone on your side who will fight for your rights.
When you hire the best lawyer around, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll be taken care of. And as a result, you’ll be able to completely focus on getting better and healthy again.
For more on legal matters, check out the rest of our blog.
