There are a lot of complications that often arise when filing for a worker’s compensation claim, and for many employees, this becomes a reality after they have begun the process. The truth is that many people are never aware of the many legal hurdles they are likely to encounter as the general notion is that since there is one has an occupational injury or medical condition, everything will run smoothly. As such, it is not unusual to start the worker’s compensation case without any assistance in the hope that everything is pre-aligned for your well being as an innocent victim.
However, there are red flags that must never be ignored and should be a sign that you immediately need a workers compensation attorney if you want satisfactory results. Avoiding these signs is essentially accepting to lose the case and getting to bear the heavy burden that comes with most occupational injuries. The most popular instances which necessitate the services of skilled professionals include;
- Rejected valid claims. It is unfortunate that over 80% of denied claims are never appealed and that innocent employees get to accept a decision that is in all evaluations unfair. The reason many people fail to pursue their rights is they do not have in-depth knowledge on how to handle the matter. A worker’s compensation lawyer comes to the rescue as they provide a raised platform for appealing the decision by relying on their expertise and understanding of the law.
- Severe injuries or medical conditions that make it impossible to return to work. If you are a victim of an incident that results in severe injuries such as traumatic brain injury, hearing loss, a fractured hand, or chronic back pain, then you need an attorney for your case. This is often referred to as total disability and calls for an effective solution that will guarantee your financial security. Handling such a case without professional help will always leave you with a raw deal that you will regret when it is too late.
- There have been retaliation from the employer, or there is another third-party responsible for the injuries. Some employers might retaliate if an employee files a claim, and this provides a ground for receiving punitive damages. On the other hand, if there is a third-party apart from a co-worker or employer responsible for the injuries, you will also require the services of an attorney to file a lawsuit against them.
- If you are entitled to social security benefits. It is vital to have a properly structured worker’s compensation settlement that will see to it that Social Security does not leave you in a tight financial position. It takes a seasoned worker’s compensation attorney to stand up to the challenge and ensure you have a settlement that seeks to account your interests.
One aspect that cannot be ignored by anyone is that worker’s compensation claim is a legal process that comes with its fair share of challenges, especially to a first-timer. The service of an attorney specializing in the niche field is as such one that cannot be avoided right from the start to the end.