Workers Comp Information
Workers Compensation Attorney
1) If my injury is permanent, am I entitled to a workers’ comp settlement?
You are entitled settle all or part of your workers’ compensation claim, but you probably want to be very careful to leave medical benefits open for future treatment. Settlements are voluntary and will be reviewed by a compensation judge to make sure they seem fair. If you are offered or are interested in a settlement of your claim, it is best to contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to make sure your rights are protected.
2) My employer and the insurance company have denied my claim for workers' compensation. What should I do?
If you are being treated for a work-related injury and off from work according to your doctor's instructions, yet you are not receiving workers’ comp benefits, then you have the right to a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge. Considering the complexity of most workers’ compensation systems and the fact that an experienced attorney will be defending the claim on behalf of your employer’s insurance company, it is a good idea to talk to an experienced and competent workers' compensation attorney as soon as your benefits are denied.
Most workers’ compensation attorneys will offer a free initial consultation to discuss your claim and help you decide how to proceed.
3) I’m afraid I am going to have to use a lawyer to get the workers’ compensation benefits that I have coming to me. I have already lost so much money in salary. How much will it cost me to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?
Most workers’ compensation attorneys will provide a free initial consultation and will not charge a fee until your employer’s insurer has done something affirmative to suspend, change or terminate your benefits. If you qualify for workers' compensation, all approved medical bills will be paid in addition to any temporary or permanent disability compensation that you are entitled to. Furthermore, if an attorney handles your case, they will do so on a contingency basis (usually this is required by statute) and they will not charge you anything unless they make a recovery for you. The fees are relatively small, usually 10% - 25% of the award, depending on your state’s law. An attorney may not collect a fee without first submitting it to a workers’ compensation judge for approval, so there is some safeguard that you will not be charged more than what is fair. |
