If you have been injured at work and considering a workers’ compensation claim, you might be tempted to go it alone and handle the administrative process without the help of an attorney. In many cases, people think that an attorney would overcharge without adding any actual value in the process.
However, what many people overlook is how important the help of an experienced attorney can be during the workers’ compensation process. Last year alone, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation reports more than 12,000 claims that were denied or disallowed. An experienced lawyer can streamline the process and greatly increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you need.
What can a lawyer do to help my claim?
A lawyer who understands the workers’ compensation process can help you:
- Make your initial filing
An experienced lawyer will understand the specific terms needed on the initial application, the filing procedures and deadlines, and how to ensure that you get your claim accepted.
- Appeal a claim denial
Claim denials are not uncommon, even with a perfect application. The process for appealing a denied claim is even more complicated and cumbersome than the initial filing process. It takes the help of a skilled, experienced attorney to make sure that you have the best chance possible for winning your appeal.
- Get you the full measure of compensation
Even in claims that are granted by workers’ compensation, it is common for the claims to be far below what they are really worth. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you fight within the system to maximize your compensation or seek out other means of getting you the help you need. One example is a third-party liability claim. If another party other than your employer or a coworker is responsible for the accident at work that caused your injury, it is possible to bring a legal claim against that party to maximize your compensation.
The most important thing to remember after a work-related injury is that you should not try to handle your workers’ comp claim alone. Between the legal pitfalls and complications involved, you could lose out on your compensation. Get the help you need.
