When is It Time to Hire a Work Accident Lawyer?

Accidents in the workplace happen all the time–far more often than most people realize. But something that’s more prevalent is workplace-related illness. According to research, the most common cause is exposure to harmful substances and environments.

Nevertheless, injuring yourself or falling ill due to work both count as a workplace injuries. No matter how minor or severe, you could have a case that warrants compensation. But how can you tell when it’s worth pursuing and whether you need the expertise of a work accident lawyer on your side?

Check out the rest of this blog for all the advice you need.

When Can I Represent Myself?

If you’re injured in the workplace and want to pursue a compensation case, there are certain instances when it’s 100 percent possible to represent yourself. But first, let’s take a look at the most common types of workplace injuries (that aren’t illnesses):

• Heavy lifting injury
• Slip and fall accidents
• Injury due to equipment malfunction
• Moving vehicle injuries–specifically cars
• Repetitive strain injury

You might suffer any of these types of injuries, but can’t decide whether it’s severe enough to hire legal representation. If you’re on the fence about your decision, here’s when you could probably represent yourself:

• Your injuries classify as minor, i.e. you sprained your wrist, twisted an ankle, or only required a few stitches
• Your employer is happy to work with you and admits your injury took place at work
• You did not have to take too much time off work (if any) in order to recover
• You don’t suffer from any pre-existing conditions exacerbated by your workplace injury

Still, it’s important to understand your rights around work injury compensation, as even seemingly minor cases can evolve or carry long-term effects. It goes without saying that many workplace injuries are far more serious. In some cases, they could result in paralysis, loss of limbs, or debilitating lifelong disability. They may even affect your ability to work at all. This is when you need good representation, such as Elrod Pope Law Firm, on your side.

When It’s a Good Idea to Hire a Work Accident Lawyer

The more severe your workplace injury, the more complex your case becomes. In this instance, self-representation is often not recommended as you’ll need a good understanding of worker’s compensation law.

Not only this, but you might not have the necessary knowledge or negotiation skills to fight for your case and win. That’s why it’s best left to the professionals. Here’s when it’s time to contact a work injury attorney:

• Your employer blatantly denies your compensation claim

The reality is that many employers actually reject worker’s compensation claims in the hope that you will not appeal the rejection. In this case, the claim would fall away and they would not have to pay you any benefits.

This is where a worker’s compensation law firm could help you appeal the decision and fight for the compensation you deserve.

• Your employer’s settlement offer is just not good enough

Your employer might accept your claim but makes a settlement offer that doesn’t cover your medical bills or lost wages. In other words, the compensation itself doesn’t help you.

If you’re not sure that you’re getting a fair deal, job injury lawyers can help you appeal the compensation amount. They’ll put a compelling case together and ensure you get what you deserve.

• Your injury prevents you from returning to work at full capacity

Some workplace injuries are serious enough that they might leave you with a permanent disability. This could limit you from returning to your previous job, limiting your capabilities, or even returning to work at all.

Whether you’ve suffered partial or total disability, you’re entitled to weekly payments that make up for your lost wages. While these types of cases are very costly for both employers and insurers, it’s what you’re entitled to. In many cases, insurers will do what they can to avoid making these payments.

Injured at-work lawyers have the knowledge and expertise to argue your case and will ensure you receive this rightful compensation.

• Your employer personally retaliates against you for filing a claim

It’s not uncommon for employers to demote you, cut your work hours, reduce your wages, or discriminate against you as a form of intimidation. Their goal is to encourage you to drop the compensation claim with this type of behavior.

But with the right legal team on your side, they can protect your legal rights and ensure you receive good compensation.

• Your injuries are the result of employer misconduct or third-party negligence

The nature of the worker’s compensation system is to avoid civil lawsuits for injuries related to work. In other words, it protects employers from lawsuits outside of worker’s compensation law.

But in some cases, you are 100 percent entitled to sue your employer for an injury caused by gross misconduct. Or, injury caused by a third party, not related to your employer. For example, you’re injured by a negligent driver while driving for work.

You are also entitled to sue your employer if they do not have adequate worker’s compensation insurance. This is a complex situation that only an experienced work accident lawyer can help you with.

Brush Up on Your Knowledge of the Law

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury and know that you deserve compensation for it, do not hesitate to hire a work accident lawyer to represent you. Keep in mind that they will not charge you any upfront legal fees–they only take a portion of your compensation earnings if you win your case.

Want to brush up on your knowledge of worker’s compensation law? Take some time to explore the rest of this blog!