what can a workers comp attorney do for me

by Mrs. Etha Kuhic IV 10 min read

Typical job functions of a workers' compensation lawyer include:

  • Gathering medical evidence and medical records
  • Taking depositions of the claimant, physicians, medical experts, and other parties
  • Conducting discovery
  • Performing legal research
  • Remaining current with developments in the law
  • Drafting pleadings, findings of fact, motions, briefs, opinions, and other legal documents

More items...

Full Answer

When should employers hire a workers' comp lawyer?

Oct 07, 2019 · A workers' compensation attorney can help workers who are injured on the job recover compensation for these injuries, including medical bills and lost wages. Available Benefits Workers' compensation laws permit workers who are hurt on the job to receive a number of benefits, depending on the injury.

How much does a workers' comp lawyer charge?

Learn more about what a good workers' comp lawyer should do and what to look for in a workers' comp attorney. Tilting the Scales in Your Favor. The workers' compensation system may have been intended to provide prompt and fair compensation to injured workers. But now, it seems to work mostly for the benefit of employers and insurers.

How do workers compensation lawyers get paid?

If you were injured on the job and believe you are entitled to workers' compensation, a workers' compensation lawyer can help. Workers' compensation lawyers can assist with matters arising out of workplace injuries -- including back and spine injuries and construction-related accidents.

What is federal workers comp attorney?

You don’t have to go through worker’s comp alone. If you have any more questions about what a workers’ compensation lawyer in Maricopa, AZ can do for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Saavedra Law Firm, PLC for more information and to schedule a consultation with one of our dedicated lawyers.

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When You Can Probably Represent Yourself

As a general rule, you may be able to get by without an attorney if all of the following statements are true: 1. You suffered a minor workplace inj...

What Your Attorney Will Do For You

In addition to making sure you file all the necessary forms and meet the deadlines, an experienced attorney will know how to gather the evidence ne...

Tilting The Scales in Your Favor

The workers' compensation system may have been intended to provide prompt and fair compensation to injured workers. But now, it seems to work mostl...

What does an attorney do for you?

A lawyer will file the paperwork on time, build your case, negotiate with the insurance company and draft a settlement, if one is agreed on. If it’s not, you’re headed for a hearing.

How long does it take to file a workers comp claim?

Reporting regulations and deadlines vary from state to state, but it should typically take no longer than 30 days to complete this process.

Do attorneys cross-examine witnesses?

An attorney not only will prepare your argument, he or she will prepare you to say the right things in testimony. They also will cross-examine the insurance company’s witnesses. That job should not be left up to amateurs. Unlike civil cases, workers compensation law has a safety net of sort.

When is a settlement final?

When an employee represents himself or herself, the settlement is not final until the judge approves it. They can reject the settlement if they feel it’s not reasonable and the employee is getting a raw deal. But the settlement usually has to be grossly unfair for a judge to reject it.

Can SSDI be reduced?

You plan file for Social Security disability benefits – Those benefits, known as SSDI , may be reduced by workers comp benefits. A lawyer can structure your settlement to minimize or eliminate the offset. Your employer retaliates against you – If you are fired, demoted, have your hours cut or are pressured to return to work too soon, ...

1. Disputing the Claim

The fact is, most insurance companies will dispute the claim to save money on their end. It doesn’t really matter what caused the injury or how bad it is. It’s routine and lawyers will know how to deal with disputing the dispute. The lawyer can challenge that dispute in court and get you the benefits you deserve.

2. Dealing with your employer

At the end of the day, you can’t truly count on your employer or insurance company doing the right thing. They will be looking out for their own best interests and may not think about the consequences for you in doing so. Because of this, you need a good lawyer to battle for your rights in court.

4. Help you get a larger settlement

Don’t ever settle the workers’ compensation case without the use of an experienced lawyer. If you do, you will be missing out on a much larger settlement in the long run. Insurance companies will always take advantage of people who are not represented by a lawyer.

5. Protecting your legal rights

Those who settle their case in court without the use of a lawyer do so without realizing the consequences of their actions. When you settle your workers’ compensation case, you are giving up legal rights on a substantial level.

What is a workers comp attorney?

A knowledgeable workers' comp attorney is essential in cases involving permanent injuries or illness. You receive or plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits.

What to do if you can't agree on a settlement?

If you can't agree on a good settlement, an attorney can prepare for and represent you at the hearing or trial. Learn more about what a good workers' comp lawyer should do and what to look for in a workers' comp attorney.

Can you sue someone for work related injuries?

You were injured because of a third party's actions or your employer's serious misconduct conduct. The workers' comp system was designed to prevent civil lawsuits for work-related injuries. However, you are permitted to sue outside workers' comp in certain situations, including when someone other than your employer contributed to your injury ...

Can you represent yourself without an attorney?

When You Can Probably Represent Yourself. As a general rule, you may be able to get by without an attorney if all of the following statements are true: You suffered a minor workplace injury, such as a twisted ankle or a cut requiring a few stitches. Your employer admits that the injury happened at work.

Can an employer deny workers comp?

Your employer denies your claim or doesn't pay your benefits promptly. Employers and workers' comp insurers routinely reject bona fide workers' comp claims, confident that many workers will fail to appeal. Unfortunately, they're usually correct.

Are Bonuses Part of My Workers Comp Award?

Yes, if the bonuses are not discretionary. Probably the most important factor in the value of your workers comp case is your average weekly wage in the 52 weeks before the accident. You want that wage to be as high … Continue reading →

Five myths about Illinois Workers Compensation Law

1. My work accident needs to have been the main cause or the only cause of my current problem. False. Illinois law allows compensation for aggravations or accelerations of a pre-existing condition. For example, if you had a bad back, … Continue reading →

Are Carpal Tunnel and Cubital Tunnel Workers Comp Cases Easy Money?

The Belleville News Democrat says that thousands of dollars are paid in Illinois to employees who have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel with “just a doctor’s note.” Is it that easy? Can you find a doctor who … Continue reading →

Does Illinois Workers Compensation Cover Aggravations of Pre-Existing Injuries and Conditions?

We see these injuries all of the time – old football injuries, pre-existing back problems, etc. Luckily for Illinois workers, the workers compensation system covers injuries that aggravate or accelerate pre-existing conditions. Of course, insurance companies tend to deny these … Continue reading →

What Can an Illinois Workers Compensation Attorney Do For Me and My Case? How Can They Help?

I recently had a financial planner ask me this question, ironically as he was trying to sell me an IRA that I could have signed up for online. He asked “most companies pay their claims, right?” No, not exactly. Here’s … Continue reading →

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