There is hardly any need for workers to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer if they work under a fair and responsible employer. Even if you get hurt on the job, your employer is required by law to make sure you are covered under their insurance plan. They must make sure that you receive fair payment, and that you are provided the best medical care as possible. Unfortunately, things don’t always work out that nicely. In situations where an employer rejects a workers’ compensation claim, you need the help of a good workers compensation lawyer Atlanta.
Let’s be honest, no matter how fair or good you think your employer is, there are instances where they would challenge a worker’s claim if they see that it would cost them a lot of money. In some cases, it’s the employer’s insurance company that is unwilling to cover the injury in question. The injury may be serious enough and might lead to even bigger concerns. Regardless of the reason, below are some signs that it’s time for you to hire a workers compensation lawyer Atlanta:
Severity of Injury
One of the biggest signs that it’s time for you to hire a worker’s compensation lawyer is the severity of your injury. If your injuries are so bad that you require surgery, then it’s time for you to lawyer up. Even before your employer informs you about their reaction to the news, you would benefit from a consultation with an attorney early on.
Serious injuries lead to complications into any case involving work-related accidents, and the average person isn’t equipped with the knowledge and experience to navigate these issues without the help of an expert. As a matter of fact, any injury that is likely to leave you in an even worse condition after the healing period as ended requires legal representation.
Leaving Work
If the extent of your injury isn’t that bad to keep you out of work for too long (perhaps only a week or two), then there’s no need to hire a workers compensation lawyer. But what if your injuries are more serious than you anticipated? What if your injuries keep you from coming back to work? What if you are forced to find another job? In this case, you need to get in touch with a lawyer.
You need to remember that insurance companies, and even your own employer, are not concerned about your well-being. They do not want to be responsible for your well-being for the rest of their life, however they will only do it if they are legally obliged to. An out-of-court settlement or jury trial is the best way for you to get the money you deserve.
Pre-existing Health Conditions
This is one of the things employers and insurance companies always look into when they want to deny a workers compensation claim. Maybe you injured your knee while using a piece of machinery a work, but upon investigation, your employer finds out that you had injured your knee years ago playing football in high school. This might not mean much to you because it’s been years, but when it comes to your workers compensation claim, this piece of information matters a lot. Get in touch with a workers compensation lawyer Atlanta to make sure you aren’t denied any money due to an irrelevant condition.
Why It Makes Sense to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Every state has its own workers’ compensation laws to protect workers regardless of the field or industry they are in. Work-related injuries are quite common than you think, and there are instances where an employee who gets injured at work can sue for compensation benefits.
This can be a very complicated and challenging field to fully understand, and there are some valid reasons to consult with a good workers’ compensation lawyer before you file your claim.
All companies are required by law to observe federal and state mandated health/safety laws
The government health and safety organizations require businesses and workplaces to follow strict worker health and safety codes. This is so they can remain in compliance with their business license qualifications. If they are unable to so, they run the risk of having their business shut down or their license revoked, until the health and safety agents consider the company safe to operate again. This is a very important matter.
It’s important to collect evidence of safety violations right away
Like any court case involving a personal injury, you need to provide all the right evidences if you want to prove that your employer violated the law. This is why workers that sustain injuries at work should get in touch with a workers compensation lawyer Atlanta. You need to lawyer up so you can get good legal counsel and know what steps you should take next. You’ll be amazed at how fast companies clean up unsafe work environments after a workers compensation claim.
Lawyers have a team of workers’ compensation experts on standby
Majority of personal injury law firms that deal with workers compensation cases always have a team of experts ready to start the investigation process and gather evidences needed to win their client’s claim in court or through a legally binding settlement process.
Do not give in to demands to go back to work when you’re still hurt
Many employers force their injured or ill employees to return to work even though they’re still not completely healed yet. Always seek out medical care with another doctor or physician if your employers try to send you back to work even if you’re unready. Always follow your doctor’s advice on these matters, and make sure that you have your doctor draw up or send the necessary work release forms to your employer as soon as possible.
Things that might be included in a workers’ compensation claim
Exposure to dangerous chemicals and materials at work is a good reason for you to win a workers’ comp claim. Other red flags at work include unsafe working conditions, lack of proper training on using dangerous equipment and supplies, improper storage of harmful materials, fire hazards, and overheated workplaces also apply.