When Do You Need An Attorney For Your Workers’ Comp Case?

Workers’ comp benefits protect you in the event of a work injury. If your claim is successful, you can recover lost wages, cover medical expenses, and prevent your company from taking legal action against you while you recover.

However, whether you need an attorney will ultimately depend on the severity of your case. It can be as simple as settling with your employer or insurance company for minor incidents. But for more complex situations, a professional lawyer has the experience and legal knowledge to help you win your claim.

When To Represent Yourself In A Workers’ Comp Case

Not every workers’ compensation claim will necessarily need legal representation, especially when it was only a minor incident.

You won’t need a lawyer if:

• Your injuries aren’t serious
• You don’t have any pre-existing conditions
• You only missed work for a short time
• The employer admits that the incident happened in the workplace

Even if you choose to represent yourself, navigating the legal system can be complicated. You should still consult a lawyer if you have specific questions about your claim.

4 Scenarios When Hiring A Workers’ Comp Lawyer Will Help

If your situation is more complicated, hiring a lawyer will help you manage the details of your case more effectively. Here are four common scenarios when you should consider hiring legal counsel:

Your Claim Was Rejected

Negotiating a payout will become much more complicated when the insurance company initially  denies your claim. Workers’ compensation attorneys will review your case for any vital details that you may have overlooked previously. They also know how to navigate the workers’ comp system and have experience negotiating with insurance companies.

The Company’s Settlement Doesn’t Cover Your Costs

In most cases, insurance companies will try to negotiate a lower settlement or look for flaws in your case to deny you benefits. Even if you’re open to compromise, never accept a payout that leaves you on the hook for any medical expenses or incident-related costs. If you need to know how much to ask for, your attorney can help you determine a reasonable amount.

You’re Facing Workplace Discrimination

New York’s workers’ compensation laws legally prohibit an employer from terminating you, demoting you, or discriminating against you in any other way during the claims process. If you’re currently dealing with this issue at work, know that there are serious legal consequences for employers who engage in this behavior. A workers’ comp attorney will protect your rights during the whole process.

You Have Pre-Existing Conditions

Insurance companies might try to deny your claim by using any relevant pre-existing conditions. This tactic can make it more difficult to win your case, especially if the incident involves the same body part you’ve damaged in the past. However, an experienced attorney can help you by establishing a clear connection between your current injuries and the workplace accident.

Our Lawyers Will Help You Get The Results You Need

Winning your workers’ comp case isn’t as clear-cut as most of us would like. While more minor claims are usually resolved quickly, serious cases require a deeper understanding of workers’ compensation laws and the ability to negotiate effectively. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys are here to assist you with any questions about your claim.

For over 25 years, we have helped thousands of injured workers get the benefits they deserve. Please fill out our contact form on our website or call us at 855-622-7686 to schedule a free consultation today. We serve Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and more.