Have you ever been injured at work? Then you may wonder you may need an injury lawyer. Sometimes, if the injuries are really severe, you can claim compensation. However, the process of claiming compensation is not always easy and simple.
That is why hiring an injury lawyer can be appreciated in that time. In the following part of the article, we’ve discussed when you exactly need a lawyer if you are injured at work. Keep reading till the end.
When Do You Not Need a Lawyer?
Do all injury cases require an injury lawyer? The answer is “NO.” Because there are various types of injuries – major and minor injuries.
When the injuries are insignificant or minor, you do not need to hire a lawyer.
The reason is, those injuries can heal by themselves. It does not require any treatment. In some cases, when the injuries are so minor, the insurance company also likely to dispute your claim. Especially when your case has any of the below lists:
- When the injuries are completely work-related
- When it does not require any medical treatment
- When It does not hamper your work hour
- When the injuries can heal by itself
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
The majority of the time, when you intend to hire a lawyer, the cases are usually very severe. For example, you fall and slip, break your ankle, arm, and many more. So, those injuries are not likely to heal by themselves. As a result, those injuries are called major injuries.
As long as the major injuries are concerned, you may need an injury lawyer to claim the compensation. And the insurance company will also review your situation and cross-examine whether you deserve compensation or not.
In some cases, the insurance company will try to pay as little as they can. That is why you will need an expert to help you in this regard. There are certain cases when you need an injury lawyer to make sure your compensation is as follows:
1. When the settlement claim is denied:
The settlement claim can be denied for several reasons. But in most cases, when the insurance company fails to review your case, you refuse to pay the compensation. In that case, it is quite hard for you to prove your case and present the evidence from your side.
Sometimes, when you fail to follow the legal procedure, it will void the whole process. As a result, your settlement claim can get denied.
So, in that case, you may need a professional and expert lawyer because they are well-known for all the legal processes and policies. Therefore, they can help you to get what you deserve.
Read Also: Settlement Timeline after a Car Accident
2. When the seriousness of the injuries is not clear:
In some cases, it also can be happened, that the injuries are not clear. Sometimes, it can be mental traumas (i.e., nonphysical injuries). Plus, some injuries are not visible to the eyes. In such a situation, it isn’t easy to prove the seriousness of your insurance company.
In that case, you may need to go through a full medical checkup to identify your injuries. But the time is really short. If the insurance company fails to review your case at the right time, you will not deserve the compensation. Therefore, hiring an injury lawyer is necessary in that case.
3. When you have any prior medical condition or physical injuries:
It is one of the common problems while dealing with injuries case. If you have any prior medical report that shows that you have any previous physical injuries, it may cause issues in your settlement claim. Because this is one of the tactics that the insurance company plays while dealing with a settlement claim.
It is quite normal that the insurance company will try to pay as little as they can. As a result, they will show you their insurance strategies and policies.
And if you have any previous medical conditioning on your report, they may refuse to give you the compensation you deserve. In that circumstance, hiring an expert and seeking help from them can be a very good move.
4. When you will receive any other benefits:
Receiving other benefits from the government or any other public institute also can impact your settlement case. There is something called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, which allows some benefits to disabled people.
So, if you are one of them availing the benefits from the social security disability insurance, it may reduce your chance of getting compensation from the settlement claim. So, if you fail to get the settlement, an injury lawyer can help you in this regard.
How Much Will an Injury Lawyer Cost You?
There is no exact amount of lawyer fees. It will depend on the situation and the place you are living. Different situation deals with different things. The more complicated the case is, the more cost the lawyer will take. Sometimes, the fees of the lawyer also vary from location to location.
But there is some average percentage that most lawyers take. At the beginning of the settlement case, you may need to pay 15%-20% of the full amount. And when you win the case, you may need to pay the rest to your lawyer.
Bottom Line:
Dealing with an injury case is not always pleasant and easy. Sometimes, you may need to deal with a lot of legal procedures and paperwork. It is quite normal that all those processes may seem very confusing to you. As a result, if you can hire a professional injury lawyer, it will be a very good option for you.
A professional injury lawyer can help you out with various things. So, before dealing with any injury case, you should consult with a lawyer. Hopefully, now you have understood when you should hire a professional injury lawyer after being involved in an injury at the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue my employer for injury?
Yes, you can. You can file a case against any injury that occurred because of your employer’s negligence. An injury lawyer can help you in this regard.
Is it worth getting an injury lawyer?
Filing a case requires several steps to follow and go through court procedures. An injury lawyer can make the process easier as they are knowledgeable in this sector. Also, only a lawyer knows what to show in the court to ensure maximum compensation. Hence, it is always worth it to hire an injury lawyer.
How much can I sue for a work injury?
The amount will depend on your injury type and severity. After filing the case, the court will judge the case and set an amount against it. However, a lawyer can help you get the most benefits of an injury case.
Who will pay me if I get injured at work?
Simply put, the party responsible for your injury should pay you the compensation. In case of a work injury happens due to your employer’s negligence, then your employer must pay you for it after finishing the case in court.
What is worker compensation payment?
Worker compensation payment is a type of insurance that ensures the workers get paid if the worker is injured due to work or absent at work due to any work-related injury. This insurance scheme benefits workers to get the right compensation for any bodily harm that happens because of the work.
