WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Types of Benefits

Workers’ compensation can provide money for your lost wages as well as coverage for medical expenses related to your injury. If your injury leaves you with lasting problems, or permanently affects your ability to work, workers’ compensation can provide further benefits. Finally, if someone in your family is killed on the job, workers’ compensation offers benefits for families.

• Specific categories of benefits allowed under the law:
• Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD)
• Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
• Permanent Partial Disability Benefits (PPD)
• Medical Benefits
• Rehabilitation Benefits
• Death Benefits

Common Work Injuries

Whether you work in construction, nursing, manufacturing, or even an office environment, accidents can happen on the job at any time. Types of injuries commonly seen and for which workers’ compensation can help include (but are not limited to):

• Lifting injures
• Back and neck strains
• Herniated discs
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Knee injuries including ACL and MCL tears
• Shoulder injuries or rotator cuff tears
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Brain injuries
• Chronic pain syndrome
• Nerve damage or RSD
• Closed head injuries
• Total hip or knee replacements
• Stress or depression related to a traumatic physical injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations

Process

In order to access your benefits, you will need to file a workers’ compensation claim. The first step in this process is to report your accident at work to your supervisor. After you have reported the injury, or your employer otherwise knows about your accident, then it is their responsibility to create a report of your accident. In many cases, however, employers will not prepare this report, making benefits difficult to obtain. Employers can mishandle workplace accident claims and injuries in other ways as well. An experienced attorney can identify these areas and work to correct mistakes that will affect your benefits.

In most cases, it is possible to reach an agreement as to benefits and compensation with the employer and insurance company without going to court. However, in cases where claims are mishandled, overlooked, or denied, it may be necessary to go before a judge with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation to request the benefits you need. You need a lawyer who can analyze the strengths of your case to determine whether going to court is in your best interest. While few cases actually proceed to court, you need to be sure to retain a lawyer who has experience in the courtroom in the event that is necessary. A good lawyer will also provide you information regarding alternatives to going to court.

If you currently have an existing workers’ compensation claim, we can still help you deal with your employer or their insurance company. Perhaps you are already receiving medical treatment and simply want a new doctor. Or maybe the insurance company will not authorize treatment that your doctor is recommending. It may be that your doctor has allowed you to go back to work for a few hours per day, but since you are not able to work as many hours, you need assistance with your reduced income. There a number of situations which may arise where you will find yourself stuck or unsure of how to proceed with your workers’ compensation claim. Whether you are in the initial stages of your claim, or years into it, we are ready to help.

Settlement

A settlement is the ultimate goal of most workers’ compensation cases. This is where you reach an agreement with the insurance company to close out your case permanently. Because a settlement will end your claim, it is essential that you have a lawyer to guide you through the process. You need someone who can help you fully evaluate the issues in your claim, then fight with the insurance company to get the most money possible for your injuries. We are lawyers dedicated to obtaining the maximum settlement possible for you in your workers’ compensation case, helping to make life after your work injury as easy as it can be.

Contact us today for a free consultation in your criminal or workers’ compensation case. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year.