Workplace injuries are more common than you think. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.7 million non-fatal workplace injuries and accidents reported in 2020. It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure the workspace is safe for all employees. If you are injured on the job, you qualify for worker’s compensation.
According to Nolo, workers compensation provides payments until you can return to work, and any medical bills associated with the injury you sustained at work. If you have been injured on the job and believe you are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits, you should hire a workers compensation law firm. If you aren’t hiring a lawyer is worth the cost, you should consider the benefits of having a lawyer in your corner.
Determining Your Eligibility
Most employees are eligible for workers compensation in most states. However, there are some exceptions and you will need to work with a workers compensation law firm. If you aren’t eligible, filing a claim can be time-consuming and isn’t in your best interest. A workers comp lawyer can review your case to determine if you are eligible.
Help With the Claim
If you don’t provide all the information necessary for the claim, it can be denied. There are forms that need to be filled out correctly and completely, and you need medical evidence to back up your claim. A workers compensation law firm can help with the paperwork and can ensure everything is in order before you file the claim, which will increase your chance of being approved the first time.
Your Employer Refuses To Report Your Injury
In several state, the workers compensation law states that your employer is required to report your injury to the insurance company and provide you with a Worker’s Compensation Claim for to be filled out. If your employer refuses to report the injury, you will need the help of an attorney.
Your employer could be refusing to report the injury because they are uninsured or underinsured, or they were already aware of safety violations. A workers comp lawyer can deal with your employer, reminding them that they have responsibility under California law.
Your Claim Was Denied
If your claim was denied, a workers compensation lawyer can help. The insurance company can claim that you filed the claim too late or your injuries were not work-related. Fortunately, you can file an appeal. Your best chance of winning on appeal is by filling out paperwork and gathering the necessary evidence before your hearing. Hiring a workers comp law firm will ensure everything is in order for the hearing, which gives you the best chance of having the ruling changed on appeal.
You Aren’t Receiving Your Benefits
Your employer’s insurance company is required to cover your medical bills. If they are refusing to pay the benefits to cover your lost wages, you should hire a workers compensation lawyer. If your doctor recommends you work less hours while you are healing, the insurance company is required to cover your wages for the hours you miss.
A workers comp attorney can deal with the insurance company to ensure you start receiving benefits, and can take the necessary steps if the insurance company continues refusing to pay.
Your Employer Is Blaming the Injury On a Pre-Existing Condition
If you go to your employer immediately after the injury and they claim it is due to a pre-existing condition, you will need to hire a lawyer. A lawyer can help provide the proof necessary to ensure this argument doesn’t work, so you can receive your benefits.
You Are Fired After the Injury
California law prohibits employers from firing employees who have been injured on the job or become ill due to poor working conditions. If you are fired for filing a workers comp claim, you will need an attorney to protect your rights. If your employer fires you or tries to retaliate in any way, a lawyer can help.
If you have been injured on the job and want to ensure you will receive the benefits you deserve, a workers compensation law firm can help. Your lawyer will be there from start to finish, giving you peace of mind that your rights are being protected.
