A workers’ compensation lawyer may help protect you from greedy insurance companies looking for ways to deny your full benefits–it does not matter how costly they become, you have the right to receive the benefits you are entitled to under workers’ compensation laws.

If you have been injured on the job, there are specific steps you have to take in order to maximize and receive workers’ comp benefits.

Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses, as well as lost income in the event that your injury disables you from working.

Six Reasons You Should Hire a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Although there are certain situations where you may be okay without a lawyer, those are the exceptions–most injured workers have a far better outcome with an experienced attorney on their side.

Here are some examples of reasons you should get a trusted lawyer on the phone as soon as possible after your injury.

1. Your Claim Is Denied or Not Taken Seriously. It’s more common than you would think for employers, and their insurance companies, to deny workers’ compensation claims in the hope that their employees won’t fight it–but, unfortunately, many workers are afraid to appeal a rejection or are not sure how to do so correctly.
2. You Feel Pressure to Return to Work Too Early. If you feel as if the doctor you see is trying to say you’re cleared for work when you know you still need to heal, or you feel pressure from the insurer to return too early, you should definitely contact a lawyer–you have the right to benefits while still not well enough to work.
3. You Can No Longer Work As You Could Before. Once you may return to work, your injury may still limit your ability to perform certain types of work–in other cases, your injury may disable you from working at all.

Whether totally or partially disabled, you are entitled to income benefits through workers’ compensation.

4. Your Employer Tries to Fire You. Some employers may look for ways to retaliate against an employee after filing a workers’ compensation claim–although you are under “at-may” employment in the United States, your employer still cannot hire you or cut your hours simply because you filed a claim.
5. A Third Party or Misconduct Was Involved in Your Injury. If your work injury happened because of an accident involving a third party, you may need to take legal action against that person.

You may also have grounds for legal action against your employer if they exercised severe misconduct in connection with your accident.

6. The Insurance Company Tries to Limit Your Benefits. Insurance companies like to pay as little as possible on insurance claims. Therefore, they often look for ways to limit or end your benefits as soon as possible. For this reason alone, a workers’ compensation lawyer may make sure your rights get upheld throughout the entire process.
7. Social Security Can Complicate Your Case. If you are in a situation where you know you’ll need to file for Social Security disability benefits, you may want a workers’ compensation lawyer. Your workers’ compensation may lower the amount of income you get from Social Security.
8. Workers’ Compensation and Pre-Existing Conditions. Another situation where you’ll need the help of a lawyer is if you’re injured in a location where there is already a pre-existing condition. The insurance company may work hard to say that your injuries were caused by that and not your workplace, especially if it’s a repetitive stress injury.

The team at BostonLegalNetwork.com believes that worker’s compensation victims should receive the compensation they deserve for damages, injuries, and lost wages.