If you’ve been hurt on the job, you may wonder if you need to call a worker’s compensation attorney. The answer is yes, and the sooner the better.

The purpose of worker’s compensation is to help you get medical care and replacement wages following an injury on the job. But that doesn’t always happen.

In many cases, you’ll need the help of an experienced attorney to ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to. Here’s a look at why you should call a worker’s comp attorney right away.

Your Employer Doesn’t Cooperate

Worker’s compensation laws require your employer to comply if you suffer an injury on the job. There are many situations where an employer may refuse to file a claim, deny your injury, or try to sabotage the process.

When these obstacles occur, a worker’s compensation lawyer can help. They can help establish the link between your job and your injury.

They can help ensure the process is fair and completed in a timely manner. If you’re dealing with an injury or unable to work due to your injuries, you need the assistance of an experienced worker’s comp attorney.

You Have a Pre-Existing Condition

If you have a serious pre-existing condition, your employer or their insurance company could try to use it as an excuse to deny worker’s compensation benefits.

They could claim that your underlying health condition is the cause of your problem, rather than an on-the-job injury. A pre-existing condition should not hinder your ability to receive the benefits you deserve.

A worker’s compensation attorney can protect your rights and work to see you receive fair compensation.

Your Benefits Are Delayed or Denied

It’s very common to experience a delay or denial of your worker’s comp claim. In some cases, the insurance company may pay for your medical care but refuse to pay ongoing benefits for lost wages.

If your workplace injury leaves you unable to work as you did before the injury, you should receive benefits to compensate for your lost wages.

If you receive a denial, you have the right to file an appeal. Many people fail to take this next crucial step.

A worker’s compensation attorney can guide you throughout the process and improve your chances for receiving compensation of your injury and lost wages.

You Were Hurt on the Job and Cannot Work

Experiencing an injury at work can be traumatic. This is especially true if your injury is serious and you are unable to work as you recover.

If you sustain a permanent or long-term injury, your medical expenses can be overwhelming. Your employer or the insurance company may try to reduce the amount they have to pay.

You need time to recover and shouldn’t have to worry about whether workman’s compensation will provide for your needs. Enlisting the help of a worker’s compensation attorney can help you secure the long-term benefits you need.

You Have a Claim Against a Third Party

Worker’s compensation laws help protect employers from civil lawsuits. If another employee or a third party caused your accident or injury, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit.

If defective machinery was the cause of your injury, you can file a claim against the manufacturer. Civil claims often result in higher financial awards because you can claim a broader range of damages.

An experienced worker’s compensation lawyer can look at the facts in your case to determine whether you have a valid claim against a third party.

You’re Facing Retaliation in the Workplace

It’s not uncommon for workers to experience employer retaliation following an on-the-job injury. Retaliation can take many forms, including:

  • Harassment
  • Demotion
  • Reducing your hours
  • Retaliatory behavior
  • Termination

When an employer retaliates against you due to a workplace injury, it’s against the law. A worker’s comp lawyer can protect your rights and help you receive the benefits you deserve.

You Feel Confused About the Process

The worker’s compensation process can be intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with it. You may be uncertain about the forms, your rights, your job, and your settlement.

If your employer denies your claim or there’s a delay in the process, you may wonder about the next steps you should take. A worker’s compensation lawyer has the specialized knowledge to help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

You Plan to Apply for Social Security Disability

If you suffer a serious injury and are unable to work, you may choose to file for social security disability benefits. This could lower the amount of your worker’s comp benefits.

If you suffer an injury on the job, you deserve all the benefits you’re entitled to. An experienced attorney understands how to handle complex cases and draft your agreement to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible.

You Develop Symptoms Over Time

The results of an injury don’t always occur right away. Sometimes the symptoms develop over time. This is especially true for head, back, and neck injuries.

If your symptoms develop days to weeks following your injury, your employer or the insurance company could try to deny your claim. A delayed onset may make it harder to prove your injury was work-related.

An experienced worker’s compensation lawyer understands that some injury-related symptoms develop over time. They can help you receive a proper medical evaluation to prove your symptoms are the result of an on-the-job injury.

You need Ongoing Medical Treatment

Unfortunately, some work-related injuries are serious and result in the need for ongoing medical care. If you’re facing this difficult situation, you need to know your compensation will cover these ongoing expenses.

A worker’s compensation lawyer can review your case to determine the benefits you’ll need to cover the costs of future medical care.

Hire the Best Worker’s Compensation Attorney

If you’ve been hurt on the job, it’s a traumatic experience. You may be wondering if you should hire a worker’s compensation lawyer.

Most injured workers don’t understand the worker’s compensation system. And this could result in accepting less than they deserve.

Having a knowledgeable worker’s compensation attorney by your side can help you receive the maximum benefits you deserve for your injuries and lost wages.

At Babcock Injury Lawyers, we will work aggressively to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. And you pay nothing until we secure your benefits.