If you are a worker who has suffered work-related illness or injury, you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Unluckily, employers or their insurers routinely deny employees compensation claims even when they are legit. This forces the injured workers to face a complicated process of appeal. However, many applicants give up, and others try to navigate through the process on their own.
Hiring a reliable workers compensation defense law firm will offer you a good chance of getting the compensation you deserve. A lawyer will communicate with the insurance company on your behalf, collect medical proof that supports your case, bargain for good compensation, and represent your case in the court of law.
The lawyers and claim adjusters working for the insurer are not there to look out for you. This means they will not hesitate to reject your genuine claim for suspicious reasons. Luckily there are many experienced and knowledgeable attorneys who can help you win a case.
Developing Evidence
Unsatisfactory medical proof is one of the top reasons employees’ compensation claims are rejected. Even when the request is approved, you will have to get all the medical care you need and other benefits you need. However, you need to have strong medical proof to support your claim. A lawyer can assist you in developing medical evidence by:
- Collecting medical reports
- Recommending the best treatment with specific doctors
- Getting medical advice from your doctor and independent medical evaluation
- Representing you when you are required to appear and respond to some questions
- Carrying out the deposition of medical professionals
- Designing and negotiating a compensation agreement
When negotiating with your company’s insurer to reach a compensation agreement, an attorney from a reliable workers compensation defense law firm has the skills to estimate the worth of the case. That’s the amount of compensation you deserve, based on various factors like:
- The extent of the injuries
- Medical expenses and the cost of medical treatment in the future
- If you have a long-lasting impairment that might lead to permanent disability
- Previous salary
An attorney knows the negotiating tactics and tricks used by insurance firms. That means workers compensation lawyers can engage in productive arbitration with insurance companies than victims acting alone. Your lawyer will make sure that your compensation agreement is written well to avert any consequences in the future.
Represents Your Case in the Court of Law
If you can’t reach a good compensation agreement, the case can proceed to the court hearing. During the investigation procedure, your lawyer might take witness depositions, ask for medical records, write your pleadings, conduct legal research, and ensure every document is submitted as required. During the hearing, your attorney will present your case to the jury, make both opening and closing arguments, access witnesses, and raise objections when the insurer misbehaves. If you are not happy with the hearing’s outcome, your lawyer will assist you in appealing the results.
A good workers compensation defense law firm will advise you about your possible eligibility for other benefits like vocational rehabilitations and salary reimbursement.