Most workplace injuries are minor, and when you need to file a claim, it often goes through without a hitch. But there are times when this isn't true, and you need to speak to an attorney immediately. The following are a few of them.
You are denied your claim
There are many reasons why a claim can be denied, but even a minor injury can lead to serious consequences in the future. If you've documented your injury and your claim was denied, you may need legal assistance. A minor injury may get worse over time. With serious injuries, the claim may not be denied, but an insurance company will often be very slow at processing large claims. Slow-moving approvals are similar to claim denials, so make a call to an attorney to expedite the process.
You are told that you have to go back to work
It may be that you are not ready to go back because you are not fully healed, or you're still rehabilitating. Sometimes an insurance company will say you're ready and will stop your compensation checks, even when your doctor says you're not to work. Or maybe there's a disagreement between your doctor and the insurance company over an operation that you need. Without this operation, you don't believe you can go back to work. An attorney can help defend you. They may be able to restore your disability checks and even fight for reimbursement for an operation you need.
You have been made an offer
With serious, long-term injuries, an insurance company is likely to make a settlement offer. When you look at the figure, you may think it's a great offer and want to sign immediately. You can be sure that the offer is too low. An attorney with experience in workers' comp settlements will be able to pinpoint the areas of the settlement that are insufficient. He or she can go back with a counteroffer, and negotiations can begin. It may be that you haven't been offered a settlement, but you are thinking about filing for Social Security disability benefits. In this situation, you also need an attorney to make sure you get the best outcome.
There are many reasons you should contact a workers' compensation attorney. If you believe your denied claim is legitimate, call a lawyer. If your disability checks are cut off, or you're told to go back to work when you're not ready, this is a reason to consult an attorney. And anytime you are made an offer by an insurance company, regardless of what you think of the offer, have a lawyer look at it.
Contact an attorney to learn more about getting a free worker's compensation attorney consultation.
