If you have suffered a work-related injury or illness in Minnesota, you have a right to compensation that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and disability or death benefits. Regrettably, your employer or insurance company can deny your claim for benefits even when it is legitimate. Fortunately, here’s how a workers’ comp attorney may help.
Gather the necessary evidence
Workers’ comp claims get denied mainly because of insufficient evidence. Even if you are lucky enough to get approval, you are likely to receive less than you actually deserve. However, with an attorney, you can seek advice on the type of evidence to use based on the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
Making negotiations
When negotiating for workers compensation, you need to keep a number of factors in your mind. These include:
- Previous work-related injuries
- Wages
- The extent of your disabilities
- Past and future medical treatment you may need
- Resulting limitations from your injuries
Insurance company lawyers are proficient at negotiations that might make you feel that they are giving you the most when they are actually granting a bogus offer. An experienced attorney understands the tactics they use, and they know how much you actually need depending on your situation. Relying solely on the judge may not be a safe option.
They will represent you in court
You will not always come into an agreement when settling workers’ compensation claims outside court. When this happens, your next viable option is a trial or hearing. A lawyer may be hired to make opening statements, prepare and examine your witnesses, object when the insurance company does or says something improper, and fight for what you deserve on your behalf.
When injured at work, you need to proceed carefully to get what you deserve. Sometimes, doing this on your own without the best knowledge of the law and the traps that the insurance company could use may not be a good idea. In addition, the appeal system may be a little more complex if the insurance company denies your claim.
