Do I Need a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?
Despite lawyers routinely being portrayed as over-priced and untrustworthy in Hollywood movies, don’t be fooled, there will come a time when you need a lawyer – and suffering a Personal Injury or Workplace Accident is definitely one of those times.
The truth is, most lawyers are good people, working to help citizens navigate the complex and nuanced maze that comprises The Legal System. Regardless of how intelligent or educated you are, understanding how to effectively present and argue your case is not as simple as articulately explaining why “you feel you deserve” remuneration for your accident – even if you are 100% justified and entitled to compensation.
So, following the above reasoning, if you suffer a workplace accident and are wondering whether or not you need to hire a workers compensation lawyer, the short answer is invariably, Yes.
Still not convinced? Keep reading for some additional insights into the many benefits of hiring a workers compensation lawyer.
Don’t Be Indecisive – Be Realistic
Imagine, you’ve just been seriously injured on the job, you’re in and out of the hospital, your family is worried, bills are starting to stack up, you’re in pain, you’re tired, you’re stressed… and now you have to familiarise yourself with the dense intricacies of workers compensation law, fast.
Deciding to enlist the services of a workers compensation lawyer right away provides you with invaluable peace of mind during a difficult time. While they work in the background to collect information, build your case, file your claim and deal with your employers insurance company, you can dedicate your time to what really matters for you and your family – getting better.
You don’t know, what you don’t know
Every worker’s compensation case is different, with a plethora of factors to take into consideration including the safety of the workplace, the on-site training received, the nature and severity of the injury and the employer’s liability in the accident. In many cases, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
An expert Workers Compensation Lawyers brings years of experience and precedent with them to the table. They’ll prompt you with questions related to the above situational factors and your anecdotal answers will form the foundation of your claim(s).
But what are the right questions to be asking and how are your answers conveyed in a way that legally satisfies the requirements of the insurance company’s policy? That’s where your legal expert comes in. You may have anecdotal answers, but they are proficient in the language and procedures of the legal system and unless you passed the bar, there’s just no way for you to have the same level of knowledge.
How much are you owed… really?
While some elements of your Workers Compensation Claim may be straightforward enough, others aren’t as obvious. In many cases, there are no limits to the number of claims you can file, with each claim potentially representing additional compensation.
An experienced workers compensation lawyer will help you identify and prepare claims for all of the benefits you’re entitled to. They’ll strategically calculate your current (and future) losses for expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of future earnings and other expenses that may not be that apparent to you right now.
Remember, some injuries can be long-term and settling for a low-hanging settlement sum up front, could result in you suffering the financial consequences down the road.
Ultimately, handling a compensation claim yourself does not provide you with the best possible chance of the claim being settled in your favour. A workers compensation lawyer provides you with not only legal expertise, but also years of practical experience and a much needed peace of mind.
Think you could benefit from speaking with a compensation lawyer? Book a consultation with our experts in workers compensation claims today!
