3 Times To Hire A Workers' Comp Attorney
If your workers' comp case is problematic or complex, then you might not get the financial aid you deserve if you don't have help from an attorney. An experienced lawyer increases your chances of getting an appropriate benefits deal.
This help is really important if your claim has some complicating factors. When should you hire a workers' comp attorney?
1. You Filed Your Claim After You Left Your Job
Most people file workers' comp claims when they are still in their jobs. However, some leave their jobs before they file. This can cause problems with insurers.
For example, if your employer fired you or laid you off before you put in a claim, then the insurance company might automatically deny your claim. Insurers often assume that post-employment cases are retaliatory rather than valid.
You might be unfairly penalized for not filing a claim before you left your job. However, you might not know how to show that your claim is valid. An experienced attorney can help you argue your case to show that your claim has nothing to do with your job status.
2. You Have a Pre-Existing Medical Condition
Pre-existing medical conditions can affect workers' comp claims. If an insurance company can connect the injury for which you claim to a pre-existing condition, then they will do this. They can claim that you don't qualify for benefits because of a previous problem.
For example, say you file a claim for a back injury after an accident at work. However, your insurer finds out from your medical records that you have had previous back problems. They might decide that your injury was caused by these previous problems rather than the accident.
An experienced lawyer helps you get the medical proof you need to head off this reason for denial. They can help you show that your accident caused a qualifying injury.
3. Your Insurer Downgrades Your Permanent Disability Rating
If you are filing a workers' comp claim for permanent disability, then your disability gets a rating. This rating affects the benefits you get.
Don't assume that your insurance company will accept your doctor's rating. They can send you to a different doctor for an additional assessment. This doctor may well downgrade your rating, and your benefits award will be reduced.
A lawyer can help you prove your disability rating. They can negotiate with the insurance company if they believe you have been incorrectly downgraded. If the insurer won't play ball, they can put medical evidence before a judge in a hearing.
Remember that you have nothing to lose by hiring a workers' comp attorney. They typically won't charge you anything unless they win your case.
Reach out to a local workers' comp attorney for more info.
