Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
April 24, 2024 – Paul Hammack
Hiring a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim provides several benefits. For example, you may focus on your recovery while they serve as your advocate in all workers’ compensation-related matters. An attorney can also offer advice throughout the claims process.
A workers’ comp attorney from our firm can also make sure that your paperwork is filled out correctly and help you estimate the value of your claim to determine if your benefit amount is fair. We will keep track of deadlines and even prepare your case for appeal if necessary.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help With Your Claim
Hiring one of our attorneys to help with the entire workers’ compensation process could benefit your interests in several ways and protect you from the pitfalls of making a mistake that is fatal to your claim. If you were injured on the job, you may not be in a fit condition to handle all of the responsibilities necessary to complete a workers’ compensation claim.
You will want to focus on reaching maximum medical improvement, as this plays a role in your financial recovery. Meanwhile, a lawyer from our team will handle as much of the claims process as necessary. Along with the tasks outlined above, one of our attorneys can help with the following details of your case:
- Ensuring that you have reported your injury to the necessary individuals within your company
- Gathering evidence relevant to your workplace accident
- Organizing documentation of your injuries
- Obtaining witness accounts of the ways that your injury has interfered with your normal function
- Filing your claim
- Handling all correspondence with insurance agents
- Advocating for your rights
- Taking depositions of witnesses and other parties
- Updating your claim as necessary
For all the above-mentioned reasons (and more), it is important to have an attorney handle your workers’ compensation claim. Your lawyer will also respond to any challenges that arise as you seek the compensation you need because of your on-the-job injury.
Get Help Navigating Claims Process Obstacles
Getting workers’ compensation benefits may be a complex and time-consuming process, but your lawyer can take that obligation off your shoulders. Our team will deal with any issues that arise while you apply for workers’ compensation or contest a denial. Some possible issues that your lawyer could address include:
- Your employer’s denial that your injury is work-related and refusal to send a report to the workers’ compensation insurer
- Suggestions that your injuries resulted from your own wrongdoing or actions outside of the course of your job, disqualifying you from coverage
- Disagreement about the amount of income-related reimbursement you need
Our team will collect various forms of evidence and documentation to support your case for workers’ compensation benefits. This may include witness accounts of how your injury occurred, your medical bills, and documentation of your treatment.
A lawyer from our firm will be your advocate, fighting for the amount of compensation you are entitled to through workers’ compensation insurance.
Exploring Other Compensation Options for Workplace Injuries
Being injured while working can be an unfortunate consequence of any job, and when a workplace injury occurs, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation. Since it is the most common route taken, you might be wondering if you are eligible for a workers’ compensation claim. A Greenville injury attorney has the answer based on a close evaluation of your case. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is the bare minimum required to obtain the compensation that you need.
For instance, you may also be eligible to recover damages through a third-party personal injury claim. Our lawyers serve clients with workers’ compensation and civil actions, so you don’t have to worry about any aspect of your case. If you qualify to seek damages from a third party, we will let you know after our investigation and explain the next steps.
Incidents That Can Lead To a Workers’ Compensation Claim
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) details some of the reasons you may suffer injuries on the job and could therefore be entitled to collect workers’ compensation.
Some of the incidents that the BLS cites include:
- Slip or trip and fall accidents
- Accidents related to transportation and operation of heavy machinery
- Animal attacks and other violent acts
- Explosions
- Contact with dangerous objects or materials
You may also be entitled to workers’ compensation if you became sick because of conditions you were exposed to on the job. Our team will consider the specifics of your injury or illness when reviewing your case, as these facts will be important when arguing for the compensation you need.
What Workers’ Compensation May Cover
Any workers’ compensation benefits that you receive may cover medical expenses. It can also include up to two-thirds of your lost income and permanent disability benefits if your injuries resulted in long-term impairment. The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission notes a seven-day waiting period before benefits can be paid.
A lawyer from our team could come in handy when dealing with the insurance companies tasked with issuing your workers’ compensation. We can handle any disputes that arise regarding what medical care is necessary and other important aspects of your workers’ compensation benefits.
Call Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Ultimately, it is your choice whether to hire a lawyer for a workers’ compensation case. Being injured on the job can introduce various stressors into your life that you likely did not anticipate. We can help restore a sense of stability that you could be missing in this challenging time. A workers’ compensation lawyer on our team will provide valuable advice and services.
Our team serves clients with the utmost compassion and empathy and aims to make South Carolina communities safer. Call Hammack Law Firm today for a free consultation about how we can help with your workers’ compensation claim or personal injury case in Greenville, SC.