Hurt At Work Lawyer

What to Do if You Get Hurt at Work

Getting injured on the job can be scary and overwhelming. As if dealing with the physical pain isn’t enough, you also have to navigate the legal and financial implications. That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on your rights and options if you ever suffer a work-related injury. This article will provide an overview of workers’ compensation benefits, as well as discuss if and when you may need to contact a hurt at work lawyer.

Workers’ Compensation Overview

If you get injured while performing job duties, workers’ comp should cover your medical treatment and partially replace lost wages. This no-fault system applies to most employees, though rules vary by state. Here’s a quick rundown of how it works:

• Report the injury to your employer ASAP
• Seek medical care and provide doctor notes to your employer
• You should only pay copays/deductibles for treatment
• Receive wage replacement benefits while recovering

So in theory, you shouldn’t incur major out-of-pocket costs if hurt on the job. But there are some exceptions…

Problems that May Require a Lawyer

While workers’ comp provides basic protections, you could run into issues like:

• Denied claims – Your injury might not get approved
• Minimal payouts – The wage and medical benefits could be low
• No accountability – Your employer faces no consequences

These situations warrant consulting an attorney that specializes in employee injury cases. For example:

Denied Claims

There are a few reasons your workers’ comp claim could be denied, such as:

• Failing to promptly report the incident
• The injury happening off work property
• Your employer disputes that it’s work-related

If you get that dreaded denial letter in the mail, don’t panic. A skilled hurt at work lawyer can help you appeal the decision. They know how to gather evidence proving it was a valid on-the-job injury. This can include getting witness statements, employment records, medical opinions stating the cause, etc.
An attorney can also argue that your employer’s negligence directly led to the incident. For example, lack of safety gear or failure to address hazards. Making these liability-based legal arguments could motivate your employer to reconsider the claim denial.

Low Payouts

Unfortunately, the wage replacement and medical benefits from workers’ comp tend to be on the low end. For example, wage benefits typically only cover 2/3 of your average weekly earnings.
If you can’t cover basic living expenses due to low workers’ comp checks, speak to an attorney. They can help you request an increase, as well as explore alternative injury damages. For instance, you may qualify for additional remedies through:

• State labor board complaints
• Social Security disability benefits
• Personal injury lawsuits

An experienced lawyer knows how to navigate all these options to improve your payout. Having strong legal guidance maximizes the chances of being fairly compensated for the full impacts of your work accident.

Employer Faces No Consequences

Some work injuries clearly stem from unsafe working conditions or lack of training. However, workers’ comp protects employers from injury-related lawsuits. So filing a claim means losing the ability to hold your company legally accountable.
If fairness matters to you, speak to an attorney before moving forward. They can investigate whether your employer violated safety regulations or acted negligently. If discovering compelling evidence, the lawyer may recommend pursuing additional damages. For example:

• OSHA complaints
• Personal injury lawsuits
• Wrongful termination claims

Granted, taking legal action is no small decision. But the upside is sparking meaningful safety improvements for staff. Achieving this sense of justice can be incredibly validating after suffering a preventable workplace accident.

Connecting with the Right Lawyer

As shown above, an experienced hurt at work lawyer can make a huge difference if facing claim denials, unfair payouts, or employer negligence. Begin your search online through reputable legal sites like Avvo. Focus on lawyers with proven success fighting for injured workers.

Schedule free case evaluations to find someone you trust and connect with. Be prepared to explain what happened and your desired outcome. Take notes on their strategy for securing you maximum compensation in your situation.

Once retained, your hurt at work lawyer will handle all correspondence, negotiations, hearings, and paperwork. With an experienced legal guide in your corner, you can focus on simply getting better while pursuing fair remedies. Though the road to recovery presents challenges, maintaining hope and leaning on support systems leads to the best outcomes.