An experienced New Bedford workers’ compensation lawyer can help you pursue the benefits that you deserve. You might be wondering what the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim is and how these cases even work. The process is usually straight forward and you might be fortunate enough to complete the process without any challenges. Unfortunately, thousands of employers and their insurers try to avoid responsibilities for injuries that the employees incur within the workplace. This is one of the reasons why you stand to benefit by hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you through the claims process.
Your lawyer will help you settle your workers’ compensation case if the insurance adjuster does not resolve your case. However, when is the right time to hire a lawyer?
Signs you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer
How your employer and their insurance company handle your case will determine whether it’s in your best interest to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in New Bedford. Below are 7 signs that you need to have a workers’ compensation lawyer by your side
Your employer denies your injury is work-related
If you get injured at work and you fail to report it immediately then your employer is likely to deny that it’s a work-related injury. We understand that you may fail to report a work injury because of how minor it is and you think it will heal on its own. Unfortunately, in most cases, minor injuries get aggravated further at work and suddenly they become serious and the employer says the initial injury didn’t happen at work. This is also very common when you get exposed to something at work that results in a disease.
Your employer delays resolving your claim
You should report your injury immediately to your employer and start the claims process. Your employer is obligated to provide you with the proper paperwork to report your case to the workers’ compensation board and file a claim with their insurance carrier. According to state regulations, your employer should report your case within 30 days to complete the claims process.
If you suffered partial or total disability
Workers’ compensation claims involving disabilities are more likely to be contested by companies because they are the most expensive. You should therefore hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you in such a situation.
The insurance company refuses to pay for your treatment
It’s common practice for insurance companies to refuse to pay for treatments recommended by your doctor especially when rehabilitation visits are involved. This is mainly because insurance companies insist that they are not necessary.
The insurance company denies your claim
If your workers’ compensation claim is legitimate and the insurance company denies it, you should appeal that decision. Appealing can be a very complex process and you might require expert advice because it will get contentious.
You get a low-ball settlement offer
Workers’ compensation benefits favor permanent disabilities. There is a rating system used by examining doctors to determine the extent of your disability and then the insurance company uses this rating to determine how much you deserve. If the insurance company disagrees with the rating they will request you to get an independent medical exam by a doctor they prefer. There is a very high possibility that their doctor will give you a much lower rating. For example, they might say that your sprained ankle is just some minor bruising. Your New Bedford workers’ compensation lawyer might be able to convince a judge that you deserve a much higher rating.
You have a pre-existing condition
If you already had back problems and you lifted heavy objects at work, the insurance company will claim that your new injuries were caused by your pre-existing condition. In such a case, you’ll need an expert to help you prove otherwise.
Getting a New Bedford workers’ compensation lawyer
Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in New Bedford is not easy. The good news is that you can consult as many lawyers as you want for free and eventually get to hire one without any upfront costs. At Kevin P Landry law offices, our New Bedford workers’ compensation lawyers are happy to help. Contact us today at 508-999-0800 to schedule your free initial consultation.
