It can seem impossible to know what to do after suffering a workplace injury. You’re injured, unable to work, and know you need to find relief but aren’t sure where to start. Thankfully, workers’ compensation is a program that exists to provide medical care and replacement income to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. But in order to receive these benefits, you’ll need to file a successful application, which can be a challenge.
Without workers’ compensation benefits, you may be stuck in a dire financial situation. With no way to receive income while you’re injured, medical debt stacks up and there’s no relief in sight. Workers’ compensation is a lifeline for injured employees, but incorrectly submitting your application can cost you thousands. Hiring an attorney helps you successfully file for workers’ compensation, as you can submit your claim under the precise guidance of someone who knows exactly what information to include.
In the unfortunate event that your workers’ compensation application is denied, your attorney will help you proceed. You may be able to file an appeal. If you revise, strengthen, and re-submit your workers’ compensation application, you may be able to receive benefits the second time around. If you’re unable to receive benefits this way, your lawyer will help you find other areas for compensation as well, such as filing a personal injury claim, if applicable.
How Much Money Can I Receive From A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In most workplace injury circumstances, workers’ compensation pays relatively modest amounts and prevents the worker or survivors from suing the employer for the injuries or death. The amount of compensation you may be eligible for from a successful workers’ compensation claim may typically depend on the severity of the job-related injuries you have sustained. For instance, if your injury keeps you from working for several months, you may receive more than a claim that keeps someone from work for a month or less.
In the state of California, if it can be proven that you were injured on the job, you may be entitled to receive two-thirds gross wage, which is a pre-tax amount. This is set by state law and also has a maximum allowable amount that is governed by state law, and the amount can change as often as every year.
Always consult with an attorney if you have questions about how much money you’re entitled to for workers’ compensation. In the event that you receive workers’ compensation benefits, but the amount in your check is insufficient or your benefits don’t last long enough, your lawyer can negotiate this dollar amount and payout schedule on your behalf.
What Do I Have To Prove In Order To Be Eligible To Earn Workers’ Compensation?
In order to successfully receive workers’ compensation benefits, you’ll need to be able to prove that your injury did in fact occur within the confines of your employment. This might mean that you were hurt on the premises of your job, during your hours of employment. If you weren’t on your job’s premises, but your accident occurred during your hours of employment, you will need to be able to prove that wherever you were and whatever you were doing was still within the confines of your job description.
If you were injured during the hours of your employment and on your workplace’s grounds, there are still circumstances that might bar you from being able to receive benefits. If you were acting recklessly on the job or knowingly broke rules that were set in place to keep you safe, you might not be entitled to workers’ compensation. There are so many circumstances that surround workplace accidents, so be sure to contact a lawyer as soon as you have been injured. It’s the most proactive way to ensure you don’t miss any important information during the claim filing process.
Your lawyer will help you compile all the necessary evidence to demonstrate that you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. This can be a daunting process to take on on your own, so working with a lawyer ensures you don’t miss any important steps and that your claim is processed as quickly and efficiently as possible.
How Do I Know If I’m Eligible For Long-Term Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
There is often a fine line between receiving short-term or long-term disability benefits. Sometimes, an accident victim becomes permanently disabled after a workplace accident, making them unable to work at all. The difference between these long-term and short-term benefits can have a significant impact on your financial wellbeing in the future. If you require long-term benefits but settle for short, you’ll miss out on money while staying home to continue to nurse your injuries.
One of the most important benefits of working with a workers’ compensation lawyer is that they will examine your situation and help you determine what you’re eligible for. If you are permanently disabled and become ineligible to work, you will need to be given a settlement that compensates you properly. Don’t take risks when it comes to processes as important as these are. When it comes to your health and financial wellbeing, always work with a lawyer as they can make sure you’re not being short-changed or taken advantage of.
Call The Accident Network Law Group Today To Consult With A Lawyer About Filing For Workers’ Compensation
Don’t run the risk of missing out on the benefits you deserve. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with The Accident Law Group today so you can successfully file for workers’ compensation without missing out on any money. We help workplace accident victims file for benefits, repeal failed applications, and fight for the amount of money they need to recover.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today by calling The Accident Network Law Group at (951) 291-0976 or sending us an email at info@accidentnetwork.com. We have offices in Costa Mesa and Riverside, California, and are here to help any workplace accident victim in California get the help they deserve.