3 Reasons To Hire A Workers' Compensation Attorney

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Workers' compensation is insurance that provides money if you are injured while at work. Typically, it makes the entire process streamlined, so you get the money you need to pay your medical bills fast. In most cases, you don't need to hire an attorney because you don't need to prove fault. However, in some instances, it may be beneficial or necessary to hire a workers' compensation attorney who can help you get the money you are owed, so check out these three reasons you may need an attorney for your work injury.

Your Employer Doesn't Have Workers' Compensation Insurance

Most employers are required by law to have workers' compensation, but some smaller businesses may be excluded from this law. If your employer is not required to have workers' compensation, however, it doesn't mean you're out of luck. You will, however, likely need to sue your employer to get the money owed. You may have to sue if your employer simply refuses to offer workers' compensation or if your employer doesn't offer enough workers' compensation to cover your medical bills. Keep in mind, however, that workers' compensation only covers medical bills and some lost wages. If you are able to sue, however, because your employer has no workers' compensation insurance, you may qualify for more money, including pain and suffering.

Your Employer Is Refusing to Pay Your Claim

The best part of workers' compensation is that you don't need to prove someone else caused your injury. Even if you stumbled over your own foot while working, you typically qualify for workers' compensation insurance. However, if your employer argues you weren't working, the claim may get denied. Your employer may say you weren't working if they believe you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the injury, but they may also deny your claim if you were roughhousing at the time of the accident. You also don't have to be in the office or at the worksite to be considered working. If you were driving or visiting another location for work, your claim will likely be covered.

A Third Party Is Responsible for Your Injuries

Even if your employer has workers' compensation insurance and agrees you were working at the time of the accident, you may be able to sue a third party. In many cases, employees may be injured by faulty equipment, tools, etc. For example, you get a new desk, but a defect causes it to collapse, breaking your leg. In this case, a third party (the desk manufacture) is responsible for your injuries. In this instance, you may be able to successfully sue and file a workers' compensation claim. Depending on how much you are awarded from your lawsuit, you may have to repay some or all of the workers' compensation.

Workers' compensation insurance is designed to help employers and employees in the event of a work-related injury. While the majority of claims go smoothly, there are times you may need to file a lawsuit or hire some help to win your claim. For more information about workers' compensation insurance, contact a workers compensation attorney in your area today.

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23 July 2018

Consulting with an Accident and Personal Injury Lawyer

Ten years ago, I was injured in a car wreck while commuting to work. When a driver rear-ended my car, I hurt my back. Unfortunately, I had to undergo a couple of weeks of physical therapy. Even after receiving physical therapy, my back never felt as good as it did prior to the wreck. Have you been injured in a car wreck recently? Consider talking with an experienced accident and personal injury lawyer. This type of attorney can help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is your best course of action to take. On this blog, I hope you will discover the benefits of speaking with an accident and personal injury attorney soon after getting injured in a car wreck. Enjoy!