Accidents on the job or while in the performance of work-related duties are serious and shouldn’t be overlooked. They’re real, and they can be confusing, distressing, and complicated. And so, if you or a loved one are injured while at work or in the performance of job-related duties, you might be wondering if hiring a seasoned lawyer is the next step for you.
Don’t second-guess yourself. Instead, call the experienced New York construction accident attorneys at Schwartzapfel Lawyers right away. You can schedule a free consultation by dialing 516-342-2200 or contacting us online.
You don’t have to wade through these murky waters alone, nor should you. In the meantime, let’s discuss when to get a skilled lawyer for a work injury.
When Is It Best To Get A Skilled Lawyer For A Work Injury?
Whether it’s a slip on a spilled coffee or an unfortunate mishap with heavy machinery, workplace injuries can lead to a cavernous mountain of paperwork, medical expenses, and emotional turmoil.
Recognizing the signs that you need legal intervention can be crucial. Here are your guideposts on when to call an experienced attorney for that work injury.
1. Denial Of The Injury’s Relation To Work
When your employer or their insurance company plays the “it didn’t happen here” card, you’ve entered treacherous waters. At this point, you’re essentially in a legal dilemma, and you’ll likely need to go the distance to prove your injury is work-related.
Not all injuries are made equal, especially in the eyes of the law. A work-related injury is different from a personal injury, and the latter may offer additional avenues for compensation. A knowledgeable lawyer can discern the best approach tailored to the specific nature of your case.
Whether it’s acquiring surveillance footage, gathering eyewitness accounts, or presenting medical records to connect the dots, a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer can skillfully lay out the evidence to show the work-related nature of your injury.
2. Slow Processing Of Your Claim
A slow response can be maddening, especially when the clock is ticking on your physical and financial well-being. If your claim seems to be stuck in administrative limbo, it’s more than a minor hiccup — it’s a major red flag.
The right legal advice can help speed up the process and hold your employer accountable for any unnecessary delays. A workers’ compensation lawyer can also proactively communicate with insurance adjusters and healthcare providers to ensure your claim is being processed within a reasonable timeframe.
To learn more now, call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 or visit us online today!
3. Permanent Disability Concerns
Permanent disability is not only emotionally devastating but also a legal minefield. Insurance companies, eager to guard their bottom line, often push back hard against permanent disability claims. They may request independent medical exams (IMEs) or challenge the degree of your impairment.
With a knowledgeable attorney in your corner, you can ensure that all medical evaluations and records present a comprehensive picture of your disability. This will allow you to strengthen your case in order to reach a just settlement.
4. Denied Medical Treatments
Few things in life are more frustrating than an insurance company refusing to cover essential medical treatments. Whether it’s an MRI, a surgical procedure, or a prescription medication, the denial can jeopardize your recovery.
Lawyers proficient in workers’ compensation law know how to challenge these decisions. They can compile supporting documentation from medical professionals and, if necessary, go as far as taking your case to a hearing to ensure you get the medical treatments you need.
5. Denied Claim
A denied claim can feel like hitting a brick wall at (90) mph. However, it’s important to remember that this is not the end of the road. Legal representation can help you appeal the decision through a multi-step process, including filing for a hearing or presenting your case before a judge.
This rigorous procedure requires meticulous paperwork, detailed evidence, and expert testimony, all of which a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can handle adeptly.
6. Unsatisfactory Settlement Offers
Receiving a lowball settlement offer can be insulting, cause stress, and negatively impact your well-being. You’ve been hurt, you might not be capable of returning to work, and your life is on pause — you shouldn’t have to settle for less.
Medical treatment for a work-related injury can quickly rack up significant expenses. Medical costs like emergency room visits, diagnostics, and even ongoing physical therapy can eat into your finances. An attorney can help ensure that these costs, as well as lost wages, are covered as part of a fair settlement.
In the case of a permanent injury, this is especially important. When we’re talking about permanent injuries, we’re also talking about expenses that extend far beyond today’s medical bills. These costs can span a lifetime and dramatically alter your financial future.
You might need long-term care, home modifications, or specialized equipment. When pursuing a workers’ compensation claim for permanent injuries, having a seasoned lawyer on your side is more than beneficial; it’s critical.
These professionals can assess the future costs of your injuries and ensure that your settlement accounts for these ongoing expenses. The end goal? To secure you a settlement that truly reflects the financial and emotional toll of a workers’ compensation case involving permanent injuries.
For more on this at no charge, speak with the award-winning team of Schwartzapfel Lawyers directly by calling 516-342-2200 or visiting us online. It will be our honor and privilege to fight – and win – for you!
7. Pre-Existing Conditions
Mastering the domain of pre-existing conditions demands expertise, as insurance companies will likely attempt to exploit your medical background by asserting that your injury stemmed from a pre-existing condition rather than being work-related.
An experienced attorney will leverage medical records and expert testimony to distinguish between the recent injury and prior conditions, effectively refuting the assertions made by the insurance company.
8. Social Security Disability Benefits
Combining workers’ compensation benefits with social security disability payments can be difficult to accomplish. In part, this is because insurance companies and government agencies have designed complicated rules about how these benefits can offset each other. But you shouldn’t despair. An attorney who understands this can structure your settlement to minimize any reductions so that the terms of your agreement are satisfactory.
For a free case evaluation and so much more, please reach out to Schwartzapfel Lawyers today at 516-342-2200. One phone call can save you miles of headache, heartache, and financial strain down the road. Moreover, your window to recover all the money and benefits you deserve may soon close forever. To keep that from happening, call now!
9. Employer Retaliation
Facing retaliation after filing a claim might seem like something from a suspense movie, but unfortunately, it’s a harsh reality for some. If your employer engages in punitive actions like firing, demotion, or reducing your hours, it’s illegal, and you have rights.
A skilled lawyer can help you build a case to prove the retaliatory actions, ensuring your rights are maintained and holding your employer accountable for any illegal actions.
10. Third-Party Claims
The legal field expands when a third party is involved in your work-related injury. Whether it’s a negligent contractor, a faulty equipment manufacturer, or an outside service provider, you have legal options beyond workers’ compensation.
A skilled attorney can guide you through the complexities of filing a third-party claim to ensure you get all the compensation you’re entitled to.
How Do You Navigate The Workers’ Comp Claims Process?
Understanding the workers’ compensation system can be an intimidating maze you don’t want to tackle alone. Even for the most diligent of injured workers, the process is filled with intricate paperwork and ticking deadlines.
It’s not just about filing a workers’ compensation claim. It’s about ensuring that you’re getting every cent of the workers’ compensation benefits you’re entitled to.
Feeling overwhelmed? Schwartzapfel Lawyers is here to help. With more than (150) years of combined experience, we have been able to compile a stellar track record of handling workers’ comp and personal injury claims.
From the moment the workplace incident occurs, the right attorney can counsel you on best practices — and we won’t stop there. No matter your situation, we will fight for you in big ways and small, from advising you on form submissions to negotiating with insurance carriers and beyond.
All that to say, you don’t have to go it alone. Experienced legal assistance is just a phone call away. For comprehensive support tailored to your specific needs, act now and call Schwartzapfel Lawyers at 516-342-2200 today!
Waiting Could Cost You
In the legal realm, timing could cost you. For instance, you may need to file your claim within a certain timeframe to be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Being aware of these timelines is crucial, and a strong lawyer can help you meet every deadline.
Understandably, you want every dollar you’re entitled to when filing a workers’ compensation claim — and a personal injury lawyer who is proficient in handling both workers’ comp cases and workers’ compensation insurance nuances can be your ultimate ally.
They’ll help you decipher policy details and advocate on your behalf to ensure you’re receiving the full scope of workers’ compensation benefits you should be getting. Don’t underestimate the power of seasoned legal help when dealing with insurance juggernauts.
Call Schwartzapfel Lawyers
You’re standing at a critical juncture, making choices that could dramatically influence your financial stability, well-being, and peace of mind. And while time keeps ticking away, you don’t have to watch your window of opportunity slam shut.
Instead, reach for the phone and dial 516-342-2200 to connect with the seasoned professionals at Schwartzapfel Lawyers. Alternatively, you can visit us online to schedule your free consultation. Either way, with Schwartzapfel Lawyers, you get a dedicated team that sees you, hears you, and is ready to fight for you — no matter what.
DISCLAIMER: Nothing on this page should be considered legal advice. You should seek the appropriate counsel your situation requires. For more information, call 1-516-342-2200 now!
Sources:
Schwartzapfel Lawyers, P.C. | Fighting For You
Workers’ Compensation Understanding the Claims Process | WCB
Ethics and legalities associated with independent medical evaluations | PMC
