Do I need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Not every injured worker will need to hire an attorney. In an ideal situation, the workers’ compensation system is designed to be relatively easy for workers to navigate. If you have a straightforward claim that is not being disputed by your employer or its insurance company, you can probably handle your own claim. Unfortunately, the process is not always that simple. When your claim is denied or specific benefits are denied, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. Common situations where a Workers’ Compensation Attorney should be retained include:
Disputes about whether or not your injuries are work-related. This is a leading reason why insurance companies deny a claim. A lawyer can help you to convince the insurance company to accept responsibility for your claim or, if they won’t, take it to the Industrial Commission to get your benefits approved over the objections of the insurance company. In many cases, a beneficial settlement can be worked out in the course of the litigation.
If the insurance company will not approve reasonable and necessary medical care. The insurance company has a lot of control over your medical care when it accepts liability for your claim. Sometimes, the care provided is inadequate or does not cover all of your work-related conditions. Insurance companies may deny expensive medical treatments or limit you to doctors who will not listen to you or respect your legitimate concerns. A lawyer can help you get necessary medical treatments or get a second opinion.
If your injuries involve long periods of time off work. Sometimes this results in the need to change careers, where you’ll need to secure vocational training for a new line of work. A lawyer can help protect your interests so as to not setback your career.
If you are being denied the full value of the benefits to which you are entitled. Don’t rely on the adjuster to tell you what your claim is worth. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can explain to you the benefits that are available under the Workers’ Compensation Act and take actions to ensure you do not get short changed by the insurance company.
Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys will guide you through the various stages of your claim and fight for you to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. At Hill, Evans, Jordan, & Beatty, PLLC, we are skilled litigators with years of workers’ compensation experience. We will fight for you. Call us today at (336) 379-1390 for a free legal consultation.