I always assumed that personal injury cases where pretty straight forward. After being in an accident, any financial losses that you suffered would be reimbursed by the liable party's insurance company. Unfortunately, things only work this way in a perfect world. In the real world, personal injury cases are extremely complex and getting the insurance company to pay a fair settlement requires the expertise of an experienced injury lawyer. Unfortunately, it took me several months to finally seek out the legal assistance I needed. As a result, I waited much longer than necessary to get the compensation I so desperately needed. During this time, I learned more about personal injury law than I ever thought I would. It is my hope that this blog will allow me to share that knowledge with you so that you can avoid making some of the same mistakes that I did.
An injury you sustain on your job can affect your working ability or cause irreversible and life-long damage. Getting specialized medical care should be your top priority when faced with such a situation. Ideally, your employer should cover the cost of all the medical services you receive and the lost wages during the recuperation period.
However, compensation might not be possible if certain issues emerge before the court finalizes the case. Usually, such issues call for the intervention of a workers' compensation lawyer. They include the following.
Your Employer Is Delaying the Process to Miss the Deadline
You and your employer should take certain legal steps when you encounter a tragic accident in your line of duty. First, you need to report your injury to your employer. Then, they should record the incident and provide you with the necessary paperwork. Once you've filled out the paperwork, your employer should file a claim with their insurer.
These steps should be done within the time indicated in the law. Unfortunately, your employer might delay the process so as to miss the deadline. If this happens, you'll miss out on compensation. This situation necessitates hiring a workers' compensation lawyer. Since they understand the stipulated time limits, they will ensure the process moves speedily.
Your Employer Claims Your Injuries Are Not Work-Related
Your employer and their insurer can deny their liability for the accident to evade the financial consequences that come with it. For instance, they might claim that your injuries are not work-related. If you only reported your injury after the condition worsened, they may have ground to dispute your claim. Such allegations also arise for workers who develop health complications after long-term exposure to a harmful substance at the workplace.
In this case, your lawyer will order a comprehensive medical examination to prove that you sustained your injuries at work. This crucial evidence enables you to hold the negligent party accountable and find justice for your pain and suffering.
Your Employer's Insurer Is Not Willing to Pay for Specialized Treatment
If you sustained severe injuries, your doctor might recommend specialized treatment to boost your recovery. Unfortunately, the insurance company may object to such treatment. When this happens, your legal advisor will ask your doctor to write a report indicating the need for rehabilitation or other specialized care. This report will enable your attorney to request a high settlement to cover all the doctor's recommended procedures.
The three issues above should not hinder you from getting your rightful compensation. Your lawyer understands workers' compensation issues and will help you navigate the complexities swiftly and effectively.
If you have questions, ask a workers' compensation lawyer.
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