workers compensation what does my attorney need

When do you need a workers comp attorney?

The workers’ compensation lawyer will want to know exactly how you injured yourself. It is important not to exaggerate or leave out facts when you describe your accident or injuries. Inaccurate information can impact the lawyer’s assessment of your claim (and can damage the attorney-client relationship).

How do I become a workers'compensation lawyer?

Oct 30, 2012 · Like all attorneys in the U.S., workers' compensation lawyers must obtain an undergraduate degree, complete four years of law school, and obtain a license by passing the bar exam in the state where they want to practice. Workers' Compensation Attorney Compensation Claimant attorneys rarely charge an hourly fee.

What should I look for in a workers'comp lawyer?

Jun 06, 2021 · A workers’ compensation attorney will be able to help fight for proper acknowledgment from your employer’s insurance company. They can also assist you in the process of gathering and sending this documentation if any paperwork really is missing. Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help You Protect Your Rights

Why should I hire a lawyer for workers’ compensation claims?

Jan 04, 2021 · You'll probably need an attorney to handle your claim if you suffered a serious injury—especially one that requires surgery—or your work caused a chronic condition like a repetitive stress injury (RSI) or an occupational illness. A moderate to severe injury means higher medical bills, more in lost wages, and a higher permanent disability award.

What can a worker's compensation attorney do?

A workers' compensation attorney can help workers who are injured on the job recover compensation for these injuries, including medical bills and lost wages.

Where do workers comp attorneys work?

Workers' comp attorneys work in an office environment, often employed in a law firm or in a corporate legal department. Frequent travel to hearings, arbitrations, depositions, and job sites can be required.

What is the job of a workers comp lawyer?

The goal of the workers' comp lawyer representing the defendant, which would be the employer or the employer's insurance company, is to mitigate the defendant's liability. Typical job functions of a workers' compensation lawyer include: Gathering medical evidence and medical records.

What are some examples of accidents at work?

Accidents can be pretty common at work—a broken arm from a fall off a ladder, a back injury from lifting heavy boxes, or carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of years of typing are all common examples. A workers' compensation attorney can help workers who are injured on the job recover compensation for these injuries, ...

How much do claimants attorneys charge?

It's more customary that they work on a contingency basis, collecting a percentage of any award received for a claimant, anywhere from 10% to 33%. Some state laws cap the percentage.

What are the laws that cover federal employees?

Federal employees are covered by a number of laws, including the Federal Employees Compensation Act, the Jones Act for seamen, and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act for longshore and harbor workers. The effect of most workers' comp laws is to make the employer strictly liable for injuries sustained in the course of employment, ...

What does an attorney do for a company?

On the defense side, attorneys help insurance companies or self-insured employers mitigate their exposure and defend against workers' comp claims. They must understand the claims-handling guidelines for each business unit they work with and be able to budget costs and calculate exposure.

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, ...

Can You Afford a Workers' Comp Lawyer?

Before discussing the merits of hiring a workers' comp attorney, it makes sense to ask whether you can afford to hire one. Fortunately, workers’ comp attorneys almost always work on a contingency fee basis (by taking a percentage of the settlement or award they're able to win for you).

When Your Workers' Comp Claim Has Been Denied

You should consult with a workers' comp lawyer if the insurance company denied your claim or disputes any part of it, such as your need for certain medical treatment or time away from work. Insurance companies often routinely deny workers' comp claims, assuming that injured employees won’t appeal or challenge the decision.

When You Have a Serious Work-Related Injury or Illness

You'll probably need an attorney to handle your claim if you suffered a serious injury—especially one that requires surgery—or your work caused a chronic condition like a repetitive stress injury (RSI) or an occupational illness. A moderate to severe injury means higher medical bills, more in lost wages, and a higher permanent disability award.

If You Have Preexisting Conditions

If you had a previous injury to the part of your body affected by your recent workplace injury, the insurance company may argue that your current medical condition is due to the preexisting condition.

When You're Not Able to Return to Work After an Injury

If your work-related injury or illness affects your long-term ability to work, a lawyer can be essential to getting a settlement or award that's large enough to cover a fair portion of your future wage loss. This is especially true if you'll never be able to work in the same capacity as you did before your injury.

Contact an Attorney

If you have questions about your workers' comp application or need help filing an appeal, contact an experienced workers' comp lawyer right away. Most attorneys offer a free consultation and charge no fee unless you win your case.

What is an experienced workers compensation attorney?

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will be on your side and work to protect your rights. The insurance company or employer will likely have an attorney on their side, and they have an incentive not to pay out on your claim. Having an attorney of your own will put you on an even playing field. An attorney will focus on the course of action that is in your best interest and help you through the process.

How to contact GGRM for workers compensation?

For over 50 years, GGRM has been helping injured workers. To set up your free consultation, contact us online or call us at 702-978-7641 today.

Should I file for workers compensation?

If you’ve been injured at work, you may know that you should file for workers’ compensation, but you may not understand what that means. Even if your employer is cooperating with you, it can still be useful to have an experienced attorney evaluate your claim. An attorney can look at your medical records and injuries and determine what your next steps should be regarding your claim and what your claim may realistically be worth.