Hiring a work injury lawyer can help ensure your rights are protected when navigating a workers’ compensation claim. While some cases are straightforward, others involve complexities that make legal guidance beneficial. If you’re dealing with disputes, a denied claim, or challenges securing the compensation you may deserve, having a lawyer can be a critical step in the process.
Attorney Herbert Thornbury comes to the McMahan Law Firm from Grant Konvalinka & Harrison, P.C. He brings decades of experience in personal injury and workers’ comp. A graduate of The University of Tennessee College of Law, Thornbury is not only a member of countless professional organizations, but also a military veteran with years of experience in teaching business law.
You should get a workers’ compensation lawyer if your claim involves complications that could affect your benefits or your ability to recover fairly. For instance, serious injuries, delays from your employer or insurance company, or retaliation after filing a claim are clear indicators that legal help may be necessary. If your injury involves a pre-existing condition or if your employer disputes your case, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf. When your compensation offer feels unfair or your case involves third-party liability, legal guidance helps ensure you are properly represented. This article will explore when to get a lawyer for a work injury, from addressing employer challenges to handling complex claims.
Consider hiring a work injury lawyer if you’ve suffered severe injuries, face disputes over your medical treatment plan, or have received a denial on your claim.
Legal support should be strongly considered if your employer challenges your claim by attributing your injury to pre-existing conditions.
A lawyer can help protect your rights if you experience retaliation, such as job termination or demotion, after filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Complex cases involving third-party liability or disputes over the extent of your disability often require legal guidance.
If you’re offered a low settlement or feel overwhelmed by the claims process, a work injury lawyer can help ensure you receive support and the fair compensation you could be owed.
Below, we outline common scenarios where hiring a work injury lawyer is beneficial. From dealing with serious injuries or denied claims to addressing employer retaliation or third-party liability, these situations demonstrate the importance of having a knowledgeable advocate on your side. These sections will help you determine if legal representation is the right step for your case. Schedule your free consultation to learn more about your options.
Complex or Long-Lasting Illness or Injury
If your work-related illness or injury is serious or lasts a long time, you might need extra help with your case. Injuries like this can require filing for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), long-term disability benefits, or even permanent partial or total disability benefits. These situations often involve a lot of paperwork, medical records, and disagreements about your ability to return to work.
Without a lawyer, you may not get all the benefits you need to cover medical bills and lost wages. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help with these complicated processes, make sure your injury is fully documented, and work to get you the benefits you may deserve for the future.
Denied Workers’ Comp Claims
If your claim is denied, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what went wrong. Insurance companies sometimes deny claims because of mistakes in paperwork, missing deadlines, or doubts about your injury. Without legal help, you might lose the chance to appeal or miss out on the benefits you may deserve.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can review your case, figure out why your claim was denied, and help you gather evidence to file an appeal. This increases your chances of getting the compensation you may need.
Low Settlement Offer or Lack of Coverage
Sometimes insurance companies offer a settlement that doesn’t cover all your medical bills or lost wages. If you accept a low offer, you might not be able to afford your recovery. Without a lawyer, it can be hard to know if the offer is fair.
A lawyer can look at your settlement, figure out what benefits you may be entitled to, and negotiate with the insurance company to get a better deal. This helps ensure you’re not left with unexpected costs.
Termination or Other Retaliation by Employer
After filing a workers’ compensation claim, some employees face retaliation from their employers. This might include being fired, demoted, or having your hours reduced. Handling this alone can be intimidating and may make things worse.
A lawyer can gather evidence to show the retaliation is connected to your claim and take steps to hold your employer accountable. This can also include seeking additional compensation for wrongful termination.
Changes To Work Abilities or Inability To Work
If your injury changes the way you work, it might be hard to figure out what to do next. You could need accommodations at work or help getting long-term disability benefits. Without help, you might not get the support you need to adjust.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through these challenges, work to secure necessary accommodations, and help make sure your future earning potential is protected.
Your Employers Delays the Process
Delays in your claim can cause stress and financial strain. Employers or insurance companies may take too long to file paperwork or approve benefits, leaving you without the support you need. A lawyer can make sure your case moves forward, hold your employer accountable for delays, and help you avoid missing important deadlines.
A Third Party or a Reckless Employer Caused the Accident
If someone other than your employer caused your injury, or if your employer’s reckless actions led to the accident, your case may involve additional claims. This could include filing a personal injury lawsuit against the employer or the third party responsible.
Without legal help, you might not know how to hold all the responsible parties accountable. A lawyer can identify who is liable, build your case, and work to secure compensation beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
You May Not Need a Lawyer In These Cases
If your injury is minor, your employer fully cooperates, you miss little to no work, and there are no pre-existing conditions involved, you may not need a lawyer. However, it’s still wise to seek a free consultation to confirm that you’re being treated fairly.
Why Do You Need a Work Injury Lawyer?
A work injury lawyer can make all the difference when your case involves disputes, delays, or complications that may impact your benefits. Navigating workers’ compensation laws on your own can be overwhelming, especially if your claim is denied, your employer retaliates, or you’re offered a low settlement. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected, helps you understand the benefits you may deserve, and works to secure fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses. The right lawyer brings more than legal knowledge—they offer the experience and skills needed to address the unique challenges of your case. They can negotiate with insurance companies, represent you in appeals, and provide the clarity you need during a stressful time. By choosing a lawyer from The McMahan Law Firm who is attentive, trustworthy, and well-versed in workers’ compensation law, you’ll have the guidance needed to pursue the best possible outcome for your claim.
When Is the Best Time To Hire a Lawyer for Workers’ Comp?
The best time to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer is as soon as you realize your claim may face challenges. Ideally, you should seek legal help after receiving medical treatment and ensuring your injury has been properly documented. Early involvement allows a lawyer to guide you through the process, prevent mistakes, and address issues like denied claims or low settlement offers before they become bigger problems.
It’s also necessary to hire a lawyer well before the statute of limitations for filing a claim expires. Each state has specific deadlines for workers’ compensation cases, and missing them can result in losing your right to benefits. By hiring a lawyer early, you can protect your rights, ensure all deadlines are met, and focus on your recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case.
Why Choose The McMahan Law Firm for Your Workers’ Comp Claim
The McMahan Law Firm has been serving injured workers since 1992, offering trusted legal guidance and support. With free consultations, we ensure you can meet with an attorney to discuss your case and determine the best course of action without any upfront commitment.
The McMahan Law Firm is dedicated to providing personalized attention to every client, making sure that your case gets the time and focus it deserves. Whether you need assistance over the phone, via email, or in person, the team is ready to help. If you’re looking for a workers’ compensation lawyer who will stand by your side, contact us today to get the representation you may need.