Nobody walks into work expecting to be injured or become ill. They want to go about their job so they can return home to their family and friends. Sadly, millions of people get injured or become ill while on the job each year. Some people even lose their lives.
These ill or injured individuals could be looking at a lengthy recovery. They have medical bills to pay, will miss time from work, and may suffer from an illness or injury for an extended period. Fortunately, they have workers’ compensation to help them through this difficult time. However, they may need to consult with workers compensation attorneys to ensure they get all they are entitled to.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a program designed to cover the medical expenses a person incurs when they are injured or become ill while on the job. In addition, this program pays a portion of the workers’ salary until they can return to work. The program also compensates families who lose a loved one on the job.
With this program in place, why would a person need to hire an attorney? They are entitled to compensation under the law. What benefits come with hiring a lawyer to help with this process?
The Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
A person who hires a workers’ compensation attorney can rest easy knowing deadlines will be met, and all paperwork is filled out properly. Any error in the paperwork can delay receiving compensation and may even lead to the claim being denied outright. If a deadline is missed, the worker might not be compensated. The attorney ensures these problems do not arise.
In addition, many people do not know all they can claim under workers’ compensation. For instance, the program will pay for the person’s travel expenses to and from medical appointments. Countless people do not know they can claim these expenses and be reimbursed. The attorney ensures the worker gets all the monies they are entitled to. People often find they get more money if they work with an attorney than if they attempt to handle the claim independently.
Furthermore, the attorney ensures the benefits continue as long as the worker can receive them. The party overseeing the program wants to end the benefits soon to save money. The attorney helps the worker receive the benefits as long as possible.
The attorney handles all communications with other parties. They speak with the insurance company overseeing the program, the employer, the workers’ compensation board, and others involved in the case. The worker’s main responsibility is to focus on their health and overcoming the injury or illness. The attorney also answers the worker’s questions and addresses concerns.
Many workers’ compensation claims are initially denied. If a claim is denied, the attorney can handle the appeal. Their help increases the odds of the claim being approved once the appeal process is complete.
Employers have attorneys working for them to reduce the number of workers’ compensation claims they must pay. A worker injured or becomes ill on the job needs someone standing up for their rights. An experienced worker’s compensation attorney will serve as this advocate; one every person needs in this situation.
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