Why Do You Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Comp Case?
Nobody wants to get hurt while they’re at work. You’re just trying to make money to pay your bills, right? But work injuries do occur, and it’s important for you to know what to do if it happens to you. We at Trammell & Mills Law Firm remind you to remember these three things: report it, seek medical attention, and get legal help to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Work injuries can vary, but some of the most common ones are cuts or lacerations, ligament sprains, muscle or tendon strains, bruising or swelling contusions, burns, eye injuries, bone fractures, and cumulative or continuous trauma. Other work injuries might include slips and falls, vehicle collisions, toxic fumes, or exposure to loud noise. Any of these might cause you to miss work while recovering.
If your injury requires you to go to the hospital immediately, do that first. Otherwise, you should report your injury to your employer right away, so there will be a record that it happened. Make sure you tell your boss or supervisor, because the word of a co-worker isn’t always enough to prove your case later. You need proper proof you were injured.
Your employer should give you the name of a recommended medical professional where you can get proper evaluation and treatment. Even if you don’t think it’s that serious, don’t put it off! Failure to report an accident within 90 days may disqualify you from getting workers’ comp benefits.
Your employer should guide you on the paperwork you need to fill out to file for workers’ comp benefits. But be warned—not all employers want to do this. They may be afraid their insurance premiums will go up, or that filing one claim might lead to other employees making claims. You have a legal right to file your claim, so don’t let them drag their feet.
That’s where expert legal guidance from Trammell & Mills can make a difference. We’ll help you push through all the paperwork get authorization for proper medical treatment. And we will fight hard to make sure you get fair compensation for lost income, or for any permanent disability or disfigurement from your injury. We won’t let your employer push you around.
Most properly-filed workers’ comp claim disputes are resolved through an out-of-court settlement with the employer. Less than 10% are denied. And about 5% of claim disputes actually go to a court trial. But taking on the legal red tape by yourself can lead to big disappointment…and losing money. Our goal is to make sure you get your medical bills paid for any work injury, and to get any income you’ve lost due to missing work.
Be safe in your workplace, but make sure you know what to do if you get hurt on the job. Let the professionals at Trammell & Mills Law Firm guide you through the workers’ compensation process. We’re local, we’re experienced, and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
Give us a call at (864) 485-8585.