Workers’ compensation is a state government-funded, maintained, and administered system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who get injured or contact illness because of work. Workers Compensation is a social welfare program; its benefits include various rewards, which may or may not include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits. Workers’ compensation insurance is legally necessary for companies with more than three employees in the U.S.
Every year, millions of workers suffer from job-related injuries and illnesses. In 2016, there were approximately 2.9 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (B.L.S.). Out of those, nearly 709,000 required times away from work to recover.
The common job-related injuries include :
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations and cuts
- Contusions
- Broken Bones
- Muscle pain
If you suffer from an injury while on the job, it is vital to understand your rights and options
The average workers’ compensation claim in the United States costs $30,000.00, and businesses with fewer than 10 employees account for 42% of all workers’ compensation claims.
Workers’ compensation attorneys are a vital part of the workforce. They help employees receive the benefits they deserve if they get injured on the job. Injured workers can face many challenges, including lost income and medical expenses. A Workers’ Compensation lawyer can take away this burden of the legal procedure from the shoulders of the victim.
Why is it necessary to appoint a Workers’ Comp Lawyer to represent your claim?
These lawyers help employees with their work injuries, like filing for and receiving the comp benefits they deserve. Workers’ compensation attorneys are essential to the workers’ comp system.
Workers’ comp attorneys can also help employees who have been wrongfully terminated from their jobs file a wrongful termination lawsuit. Employees injured on the job or wrongfully terminated can contact a workers’ compensation attorney to learn more about their legal rights and options.
The Workers’ Comp system is designed as a no-fault system from the get-go to protect the already victimized employees from exploitation. The no-fault system indicates that the employee does not prove that their employer was at fault for receiving benefits. Instead, the victimized employer only proves that their job caused the injury or illness.
Each state has different laws governing workers’ compensation, making it difficult to know whether you are eligible for benefits and how to go about filing a claim. That’s where a workers’ comp lawyer comes in.
The question you should ask before choosing a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Hiring a Workers’ Comp attorney to help you with your claim should be one of your first courses of action. However, it would be unwise to hire the first attorney you encounter. So, before hiring an attorney, be sure to ask the following questions:
- What experience does the attorney have with workers’ compensation claims? The workers’ comp process can be complex and frustrating. You’ll want to work with an attorney who has a lot of experience in this area and knows how to get the most compensation for you.
- What is your success rate with these claims? You’ll want to ensure that your representative Attorney has a good reputation and rapport. A lawyer with a strong record of success will be more likely to get your compensation.
- How will I be charged? What is your fee structure? The lawyer fees can defer from law firm to law firm. Most attorneys usually charge a contingency fee, i.e., a percentage of the final recovery. For example, an attorney may charge 33% of the final recovery fee.
- Will I be charged a fee if my case is not successful? Again this varies from law firm to law firm; usually, Workers’ Compensation attorney only charge you if your compensation is approved.
- What communication can I expect from you? It is essential to maintain proper communication with your Attorney. Hence, always make sure that your attorneys know every case detail.
- Can I get some referrals/testimonials from your past clients?
It is essential to check the previous referrals before engaging with an attorney. It can help you give an idea about the credibility of your Lawyer.
The answers to the questions mentioned earlier will help you determine if your Attorney is correct to represent your claim.
At Pistiolas Law, we understand that Workers’ Comp Claims can be costly. That is why we provide a free first consultation to help you understand your legal options and the associated costs. Contact us today at (844) 414-1768 to schedule a meeting with one of our attorneys, and we’ll readily answer any questions you may have.
