Workers’ compensation is meant to help employees who get hurt or sick because of their jobs. It pays for medical treatment and some lost wages. Sometimes though, getting these benefits is hard. Insurance companies might deny or fight a claim. That’s why injured workers hire attorneys.
Workers’ compensation laws require employers to help staff who get job-related illnesses or injuries. This “workers’ comp” insurance covers:
- Medical Expenses: All medical bills and treatment costs are paid for work injuries. This includes hospital visits, physical therapy, medications, and assistive devices like wheelchairs.
- Wage Replacement: If you miss work, workers’ comp offers partial wage replacement checks to cover some lost income. The amount varies by state.
- Disability Benefits: If an injury permanently prevents you from working again, workers’ comp pays disability benefits for that future loss of wages.
- Death Benefits: If a workplace fatality occurs, the deceased’s family receives burial expenses, wage replacement, etc.
In straightforward situations, employees manage claims directly with the insurer. But for these common issues, legal guidance helps:
- Your Claim is Denied: When cases get denied, attorneys investigate why and appeal wrongful denials through hearings. Without one, you may not get the care and wage replacement you deserve.
- Your Injury is Severe: Complex medical problems like spinal damage or brain trauma require extra navigation for proper treatment and maximum settlement values.
- Your Employer is Disputing the Claim: Some employers wrongly claim incidents didn’t happen at work. Attorneys gather workplace evidence and witness statements to verify your version of events.
- You’re Unsure of Your Rights: Confusing paperwork and complicated laws are hard to handle alone. Attorneys clarify rights around medical leave, vocational retraining benefits, etc.
- You’re Offered a Settlement: Before signing away rights to future benefits for lump sum payouts, consult attorneys to ensure offers adequately cover future medical/wage needs.
- There Are Third-Party Claims: If another party besides an employer caused injury (like a vehicle accident while working), attorneys pursue additional damages.
