Workers’ compensation can be a lifeline for injured workers. It was established to provide medical care and replacement income to employees who are injured or become ill due to their jobs. Without it, injured workers’ are out of work with no money while medical bills pile up.
To be eligible for workers’ compensation, you need to prove the injuries you sustained occurred due to your job and you must report your injuries in a timely manner, among other requirements. Even a few mistakes on your application can be costly, leaving you stranded with medical debt after an accident. If you have been hurt on the job, always report your injuries right away. Never delay in reporting your injury to your employer. If you do, it may be hard to prove the injury happened at work.
Getting workers’ compensation benefits begins by filling out certain forms. If these initial forms are not submitted by certain deadlines or contain inaccurate or missing information, your application may be denied. Always meet the associated deadlines and triple-check for accuracy of information. The more evidence and supporting documentation you have, the stronger your application will be.
If you’ve been hurt at work, make sure you seek medical care right away. You will need official medical documentation of your injuries, and you will need to be able to prove that the accident did in fact happen at work. Some injured workers mistakenly delay in getting medical care, making it hard to prove when the injury happened in the first place.
Lastly, one of the biggest mistakes you can make is to file for workers’ compensation without the guidance, direction, and oversight of a lawyer. It’s easy to see that filing for workers’ compensation is no easy task. Only a lawyer can proactively point out mistakes and address them. Even if your workers’ compensation application is denied, only a lawyer can help you file an appeal, strengthen your application and resubmit it.
Do I Need To Hire A Lawyer To Get Workers’ Compensation?
If you have been hurt on the job, you will greatly benefit from the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer. It can be difficult to collect the necessary documentation you need to file while you’re nursing your injuries, and an attorney helps ease this burden on you. The application process is long, daunting, and complicated. You can file your application on your own, but it’s easier with legal help at your side.
Only a California lawyer thoroughly understands the specifics of the workers’ compensation system and state law, and can provide guidance in submitting a successful application for benefits. Obtaining these benefits can be difficult, and without a lawyer working hard to represent you, you may be at a disadvantage. When you submit an application without the guidance of an attorney, you may not have enough information that supports your claim. Your lawyer will be able to spot these mistakes and will address them before it’s too late.
At The Accident Network Law Group, we don’t charge you at all until you receive your settlement. In fact, you pay no fees at all unless we win your case. Instead of running the risk of submitting a failed application, it’s best to schedule a free call with one of our attorneys to get initial legal guidance. Even if your claim is denied, only a lawyer can help you appeal this denial and resubmit a stronger application.
How Much Money Can I Receive From Workers’ Compensation?
In most circumstances, workers’ compensation pays relatively modest amounts and prevents the worker or survivors from suing the employer for their injuries or death. Injured workers in California can earn up to two-thirds of their pre-tax gross wages. In order to get the most accurate estimate, contact a lawyer.
The stronger your workers’ compensation application, the better chance you have of getting the maximum compensation. Without adequately proving in court that your injuries are severe, you run the risk of getting a minimal amount of money that doesn’t quite cover your medical expenses. Remember, if you are offered a sum of money you feel is unfair, only a lawyer can help you through the process of negotiating this settlement in court.
What Happens If My Workers’ Compensation Application Is Denied?
If you have been wrongfully denied workers’ compensation benefits, there is still hope. You may still be able to get help financial assistance that helps you pay your medical bills and make up for your lost wages. One of the many benefits of hiring a lawyer for the workers’ compensation process is that they can help you re-apply if you’re denied.
With the guidance of your attorney, you can file an appeal and get a second chance at filing for benefits. Your lawyer will help you strengthen your application by fixing any mistakes, adding supporting evidence, and clearing up any issues that are getting in the way of your approval.
Your lawyer will be in contact with your insurance company and workplace in order to gain any additional evidence or information. When you work with an attorney, you’ll benefit from their broad understanding of workers’ compensation and workplace accident cases. If you’ve been denied your benefits, a lawyer will provide you with other options you can take for financial relief.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer As Soon As Possible
The biggest mistake you can make when filing for workers’ compensation is to do so without a lawyer. Only a California workers’ compensation attorney knows the ins and outs of the law, and can help you gather all the necessary information to prove you’re in need of benefits.
If you have been hurt on the job in California, call The Accident Network Law Group today at (951) 291-0976 to schedule a free consultation about your workers’ compensation benefits.