Getting hurt at work can be a devastating experience. In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma, injured workers may be faced with costly medical bills, lost wages and other financial losses. An experienced workplace injury lawyer can help to navigate legal hurdles, medical access and insurance coverage to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.
When choosing a Work injury lawyer, look for one with a proven track record and extensive experience handling cases similar to yours. For example, if you were hurt in a car accident, choose an attorney who specializes in motor vehicle accidents. If you were hurt at work, choose a lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation claims and labor laws.
Injuries at Work Can Happen Anywhere, Anytime
A number of work-related injuries can occur while commuting to and from the office, during lunch breaks or even while on the job. An experienced attorney can guide you through the complexities of New York’s workers’ compensation law and ensure that you receive adequate compensation for your injuries.
Building a Strong Case
A successful claim requires thorough investigation and evidence gathering, including the collection of critical documents, interviewing witnesses and working with experts. An experienced attorney can build a compelling case to get you the maximum compensation available.
Dealing with Insurers
The vast majority of workplace injury cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. An attorney will handle all communications with insurers and leverage their negotiation skills to secure a fair settlement on your behalf. If the insurance company refuses to settle, your attorney will be prepared to go to trial and present a compelling argument in front of a jury that you deserve fair compensation for your injuries.
Retaliation and Discrimination
Those who file workers’ comp claims are often afraid of retaliation by their employers. An experienced attorney can provide advice on how to protect yourself from retaliation and discrimination and take legal action against any retaliatory actions taken by your employer.
Your Employer Wants You Reevaluated
Once you have received approval for your injuries, your employer or their insurance company may try to get you reevaluated by an independent medical examiner (IME) in order to show that your injury is not serious or has improved. An experienced attorney can protect you from a fraudulent IME and argue for your continued benefits.
Future Medical Needs
An attorney can help you calculate the full cost of your injuries, from sprained ankles to amputations and everything in between. They can also review any proposed settlements to make sure that you are adequately covered for all of your future medical needs.
Some injuries can require a lifetime of care, with costs that are difficult to quantify. An attorney can help you navigate the process of establishing a workers’ compensation Medicare set-aside arrangement (WCMSA) to ensure that your future medical costs are properly covered. They can also review your case to see if you are eligible for other types of benefits, such as social security disability or unemployment.