Frequently Asked Questions About Workers Compensation Attorneys
If you have been injured on the job and require medical attention, your employer is required to file a workers compensation claim with their insurance provider for you. This claim entitles you to be reimbursed for your medical care, any money you lose if the doctor deems you are unable to work due to your injuries, and possibly to recover money for future medical expenses and injuries with permanent effects. If you are in this position, you may be wondering whether you should hire a workers compensation attorney. Getting answers to the questions you have about this type of lawyer will help you decide.
Under What Circumstance Should I Consider Hiring a Workers Compensation Attorney?
If you are injured on the job, and a workers compensation claim is filed, you always have the option of hiring an attorney. However, if your injuries are relatively small or you are not missing any time from work, there may be little benefit to hiring an attorney. If you have substantial injuries, are missing a lot of time from work, the insurance company delays or denies your claim or your employer is refusing to file a claim on your behalf, you may find hiring an attorney to beneficial. Complex cases can be challenging on your own, which is why hiring an attorney is a great course of action in that circumstance.
What Are the Benefits to Hiring a Workers Compensation Attorney?
If you are considering hiring a workers compensation attorney, you may be wondering what the benefits to hiring one are. One of the biggest benefits is that they will handle your case for you. They will deal with your employer and insurance company on your behalf. They will file necessary letters and paperwork with the courts. And they will work to get you a fair settlement.
Another benefit to hiring a workers compensation attorney is that they can ensure you get the medical care you need with great doctors. Due to the complex reporting system and fee schedule, some doctors will not work with workers compensation patients. This can limit who you can see. An attorney will already know which doctors will treat you on a lien basis, helping you to get the care you need to heal and the reports you need to substantiate your claim, with no out-of-pocket expenses.
I Don't Have Money. Can I Still Get an Attorney?
If you don't have money, and are now unable to work, you may be wondering how you can possibly afford an attorney to help you with your workers compensation case. Luckily, the majority of workers compensation attorneys take a percentage of your settlement, rather than charging you an upfront or hourly fee. When your claim settles, the attorney gets paid, helping you to get the representation you need without you having to come up with the money up-front.
Can My Employer Fire or Demote Me for Hiring an Attorney?
If you were injured on the job, and are thinking about hiring an attorney, you may feel your employer will retaliate and demote or fire you. However, a company is not allowed to fire or demote any employee for hiring a workers compensation attorney. Employees are protected by various state and federal laws to prevent such occurrences from happening. If an employer retaliates for you filing a claim or seeking out legal representation, they can be fined by the labor board and/or you may be entitled to seek compensation from them as well.
If you have a worker compensation claim, you may have many questions about workers compensation lawyers. Getting answers to your questions will help you make an informed decision as to whether you should hire an attorney or not, based on the circumstances surrounding your claim.
For more information, consider a site like http://www.hardeeandhardee.com.