Why Hiring A Lawyer Is A Must For Workers Compensation Benefits
Are you temporarily disabled due to an injury that resulted from an accident at work? Has the sudden loss of income sent you into distress because you are worried about how your bills will get paid until you can return to work? The situation might not be as bad as it seems because you might qualify for workers compensation benefits during the time that you are healing from the injury. Even if you have already applied for the benefits but did not get approved, you might still qualify. If you do not know how to go about getting approved for workers compensation benefits, hire a lawyer.
Did You Already Attempt Applying for Benefits?
If you have already tried to get workers compensation benefits and were denied, it is even more important to hire a lawyer. The reason is that although you have the right to appeal the denial, there is a considerable risk that the reconsideration request will be denied. A lawyer knows what must be done to increase the chance of your appeal being successful so you can start receiving benefits as soon as possible. For example, you will be asked about the information you included in your application for benefits. A lawyer will try to determine if you did not answer the questions sufficiently or left some of the questions blank.
Is There Evidence That the Injury is Work-Related?
The most important action that must be taken to get approved for workers compensation benefits is to prove that you were injured at work. How long did you wait after getting injured before filing a claim for workers compensation benefits? If you took too long to file the claim, it may have made your employer suspicious about the injury, especially if no one witnessed it happening. A lawyer will need to know such information so they can help you prove that the injury is work-related. For example, you need to give the workers compensation lawyer your medical records regarding the injury.
Will You Be Out of Work for a Long Time?
Does your injury require long-term physical therapy or undergoing multiple surgical procedures? If you are expected to be out of work for a while, a lawyer can help you obtain the maximum benefits that are allowed. The maximum benefits will depend on the state laws and the severity of your injury. The sooner you consult with a lawyer, the sooner you will know your rights regarding workers compensation benefits.