Why Hire an Attorney When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
No one anticipates being hurt on the job. Nevertheless, in the event of a workplace injury — there are about 7 million of them a year — most employees’ first thought is to file a workers’ compensation claim. While the law requires employers to have a workers’ compensation plan in place to protect injured workers, employees are generally better off when they also consult a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney soon after the injury.
Your Employer Wants the Best Outcome for the Business
While you may have close professional relationships with your managers and perhaps even with the business owner, businesses are primarily tasked with maintaining their own financial health. Therefore, you may encounter difficulty receiving compensation for your workplace injury after you file your claim. If you feel you are unlikely to receive an equitable resolution for your claim, don’t take it personally. Hire a workers’ comp lawyer who thoroughly understands how to negotiate with corporate attorneys and insurance companies. A reliable attorney will not leave you alone to face adversarial corporate and legal professionals who often have many years of experience negotiating against injured workers.
Consulting a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Costs Nothing
One of the biggest upfront advantages to calling a workers’ compensation lawyer is the fact that doing so literally costs nothing. These attorneys offer free case evaluations to help you understand your legal options and to give you professional insight into how you should proceed. Enlisting the help of an attorney may also ease the stress of handling all correspondence and legal matters with your employer on your own. If you are severely injured at work, navigating the road to recovery will require enough of your attention. Therefore, it only makes sense to leave the legal legwork to an experienced attorney.
When Should You Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
In general, the sooner you contact an attorney, the better off you will likely be. While you should ideally contact an attorney immediately after a workplace injury takes place, injured workers often contact an attorney later in the process. Events that should prompt you to contact a workers’ comp attorney include:
- Your employer denies your workers’ compensation claim or delays paying benefits.
- Your employer offers a settlement that does not cover all your medical expenses and lost wages.
- Your workplace injury limits your ability to return to work.
- You are receiving or would like to apply for Social Security disability benefits.
- Your employer retaliates against you for filing a claim.
- A third party caused your work-related injury.
- Your injury was caused by your employer’s serious misconduct.
Any of these situations may quickly complicate your workers’ comp case. Consult a trustworthy workers’ compensation attorney at the first sign that things may be spiraling beyond your control or if there is any aspect of your case that you don’t fully understand.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help You?
In addition to simply offering you legal advice, workers’ compensation attorneys add value in a variety of other ways. An experienced attorney is well-versed in workers’ compensation laws and court procedures. Therefore, your attorney will be able to assist you in properly filing all required documents and meeting court and administrative deadlines. An attorney who has a proven track record of success has demonstrated the ability to negotiate with employers and insurance companies. A skilled attorney is better equipped with the knowledge, training, and experience to obtain a more favorable settlement for you. Your workers’ comp attorney will also be able to groom you and prepare you for your day in court in the event that your case requires a hearing in front of a judge.
Contact a Proven, Reliable Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The best way to learn first-hand what a competent workers’ compensation attorney can do for you is to request a free case evaluation. Contact Vorhees Law Office, and learn how we can fight for you to receive the compensation you deserve. Our New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer is eager to assist you. With proper benefits, you could pay for medical treatment and receive a portion of your weekly wages while you recover. Call our Somerville office today at 609-771-8611.
