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I’ve Been Injured at Work. Now What?
Worker’s compensation injuries are incredibly common and can be challenging to navigate. For example, let’s say you are at work one day doing your regularly assigned duties and suddenly experience shooting pain in your shoulder and upper back. You may have strained a muscle, slipped a disc, or otherwise injured yourself as a result of your commonly assigned work tasks.
Generally speaking, this makes you eligible for a worker’s compensation claim. So how do you proceed? First, speak to your manager or supervisor to report the injury and inquire about the next steps. You will want to seek medical attention and may be required to utilize a preferred medical facility.
It is not uncommon for employers or their respective insurance providers to deny claims or make the process challenging for you. Read below to learn of common examples of when it may be time to seek the professional assistance of a worker’s compensation attorney.
When To Seek a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer
You may not realize how challenging or intricate it is if you have never navigated the worker’s compensation process. There is a lot of paperwork, required steps, and timeframes that need to be followed, and if you aren’t adhering to the laws of your state, your claims may be denied, forcing you to pay for your medical needs out of pocket.
One of the most common reasons people seek the help of a worker’s compensation attorney is when their employer denies that the injury took place at work or as a result of typically assigned work duties. This predicament can arise when an insignificant injury happens at work and later worsens due to everyday actions. For this reason, it is essential to discuss injuries you receive while at work if they are causing significant and consistent pain, however insignificant they may seem.
Another common reason people seek an experienced attorney’s help is when the doctor prescribes medical treatment, but the worker’s compensation process does not cover it. Suppose it is found that medical treatment is necessary for the injuries received while at work. In that case, it should be covered by the worker’s compensation insurance rather than by you personally. If this problem arises, seek the help of a worker’s compensation attorney immediately.
Permanent Disability
If the injuries you suffered while at work are significant enough to cause permanent disability, whether partial or complete, employers and insurance companies tend to fight against these claims the hardest as they are typically the most expensive. You can ensure that your medical needs are met, and your compensation is adequate by working with an experienced attorney.
Negotiations, communication, and evidence collection are just a few reasons attorneys are imperative to this process and can fiercely advocate for your needs.
What if the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
You can choose to appeal the decision and provide the necessary information for an appeal. This process is common, and the insurance company may require more information before proceeding with approval and coverage.
However, if the insurance company consistently denies the claim and refuses to pay, seek the help of an attorney to protect yourself and the compensation you are reasonably entitled to.
My Employer is Now Treating Me Different Since My Injury
If your employer is acting in a threatening or harassing way following your worker’s compensation claim, it may be time to seek the help of a lawyer. Employers are legally not allowed to demote, harass, punish, or coerce their employees regarding a worker’s compensation claim in any way. They are also barred from requiring or pressuring you to return to work before it is safe for you to do so.
If you are experiencing this behavior from your employer or upper management, contact a worker’s compensation attorney immediately.
What if I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
With a pre-existing condition, injuries related to a worker’s compensation claim can be even more challenging. You will need to provide sufficient evidence supporting that the immediate injuries were a direct result of your tasks at work and not due to a condition you have been treated for in the past.
An effective workers’ compensation attorney can help you achieve this by carefully investigating past medical records and those associated with the work injury. They can also speak with medical professionals or other witnesses to establish that the injuries are directly related to the work tasks rather than a pre-existing condition. Therefore, you should be compensated accordingly.
A Fierce and Tireless Advocate
The bottom line is if you are experiencing issues with your worker’s compensation claim to which you are entitled when injured at work, you don’t have to deal with this alone. Contact our office at (803) 500-0000 to speak to us regarding your situation.
With over a decade of experience working with larger firms in the past, Lee Injury was opened in 2019 with a focus on our clients as people and not just another case. We provide fierce advocacy and tireless pursuit of what is right for our clients. Whether that involves investigating the situation further, negotiating terms or compensation with your employer or the insurance company, or ensuring timelines are met, your claim is valid; we can effectively assist you.
If you are experiencing any of the issues above or have further questions regarding a situation following a worker’s compensation injury, don’t hesitate to call us. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
We look forward to serving you.
