A work injury can leave you with many hardships, including steep medical bills and lost time from work. If you have suffered an on-the-job injury, you don’t need the added burden of having to struggle with legal problems. The good news: You don’t have to go it alone.
Some of the most difficult obstacles facing injured workers are:
- Fear of employer retaliation: Many workers fear losing their job for reporting an injury or pursuing a workers’ comp claim. In fact, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for asserting your legal rights. This means they cannot fire, demote you or otherwise adversely treat you in retaliation for filing a worker’ comp claim.
- Lowball settlement offers: The insurance companies know you are in a bad spot and may offer you far less than your claim is worth, thinking you will jump at the chance for any compensation at all. You should always consult with your own workers’ comp attorney before accepting an offer. You don’t want to leave money lying on the table.
- Denied claims: A denial of payment can be a harsh setback, but you don’t have to accept it as the final word. Insurance companies give many reasons for denying claims. They may say your injury was preexisting, or that it did not occur at work. A knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney knows how to respond to these arguments in your favor.
Remember, you don’t have to fight this battle alone. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can take the legal burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery.
If you have suffered a work injury and are seeking workers’ comp benefits, or if your benefits have already been denied, talk to an attorney who can help you understand your rights.
