Being injured and unable to work is a frightening situation. Employers are legally required to carry worker’s compensation insurance in case their employees are injured in work-related activities. Fortunately, hiring a skilled worker’s compensation attorney can help you secure the financial, legal, and practical assistance you need. Here are seven important things to discuss with a worker’s compensation attorney as you’re working on your case.
1. What are the Legal Fees?
Most worker’s compensation lawyers only make money if they win; however, make sure you understand the details. For example, understand what happens if the legal fees cut into your expected benefits, or who covers the cost of medical fees, court filings, and courtroom experts.
2. Is My Case Strong?
Once you understand the costs, make sure it’s worth pursuing a potential payout. If you have a weak, unwinnable case, or if the potential benefits are minimal, it may not be worth taking action. Having realistic expectations helps you make wise decisions before you get involved.
3. When Will I Start Receiving Benefits?
Worker’s comp cases can be lengthy, complicated, and challenging. Attorneys from both sides are involved, as well as a judge and multiple hearings. Ask your attorney what you should do in the meantime and plan accordingly.
4. Am I Protected From My Employer?
Employers don’t like worker’s comp issues. They can get in trouble for maintaining poor working conditions, or they can lose money, time, and staff. As a result, they can retaliate or try to abuse your rights. You need to know that employers can’t legally fire you for filing a comp case. Also, employers can’t ask, force, pressure, or manipulate you into working outside your medical restrictions. If employers violate these protections your attorney needs to protect you and potentially file suit.
5. How Do I Deal with My Doctors?
Your attorney should tell you how to truthfully explain your situation to doctors in a manner that is also legally and financially advantageous. Ask your lawyer what words to use, how to maximize benefits, and how to make it clear that the injuries are extensive and not your fault.
6. How Long Can I Stay Home and on Benefits?
Unless you become permanently disabled, your worker’s comp will expire. It’s important to speak to your attorney about how long you can collect benefits and when you should return to work. Ask your attorney to guide you through all the legal, financial, medical, personal, and professional considerations involved
7. What If My Benefits Aren’t Enough?
Worker’s comp may not pay as much as you’d like, you may have pre-existing health issues or complications, or you may develop related medical problems after your worker’s compensation expires. You need to ask your lawyer what to do in these potential situations, how to seek additional assistance, and what options are available.
If you are seeking a workers’ compensation case, it’s important to find a reputable lawyer and discuss certain elements of your case. If you have any questions about your workers’ compensation case, it’s best to speak to your lawyer.