If you have recently been injured in a workplace accident, then you may be wondering what your next steps should be. If your injuries have left you unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, then it is critical that you consult an attorney in order to ensure that you have someone looking out for your best interests, as this will give you the best chances of getting the compensation that you deserve.
While it is not uncommon for people to assume that they do not need an attorney as their employer will likely have their back, this is not usually the case. If you are uncertain whether you should hire an attorney after a workplace injury, read on as we continue to discuss a few of the signs indicating that you should consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney after being injured on the job.
Your Employer Denies Your Claim
Even if it seems clear that your injuries are work-related and your employer should be liable for your injuries, it is not uncommon for companies to deny legitimate worker’s comp claims. The fact is that employers will often look for reasons to deny a worker’s compensation claim in the hope that the employee will not try to appeal the decision.
Unfortunately, this tactic of avoiding paying worker’s compensation benefits usually works, as the majority of people who have their claim denied do not try to appeal it.
This makes it critical that you do not give up if you believe that your worker’s compensation case has been wrongfully denied. Instead, it is important that you contact a worker’s compensation attorney as soon as possible to help you begin the appeals process, as this will give you the best chance possible of recovering the compensation that you deserve.
Appealing a worker’s compensation decision can be complicated, and having an attorney by your side will increase your chances of a successful appeal.
Your Employer is Retaliating Against You
Unfortunately, after filing a worker’s compensation claim, you may find that your employer treats you differently, or that they seem to be retaliating against you. Even if the workplace accident was not your fault, it is not uncommon for employers to lash out at employees who file a worker’s compensation claim by demoting them, cutting their hours, reducing their pay, or discriminating against them. If you feel like you are being retaliated against at work after filing a worker’s compensation claim, it is critical that you contact an attorney as soon as possible in order to ensure that your rights are protected.
A Third-Party May be Responsible for Your Injuries
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your workplace accident, your employer may not be the only one liable for your injuries, as a third-party company or individual may also be to blame. For instance, if your injuries were the result of equipment failure or a defective piece of machinery, then you may also be able to sue the manufacturer for damages as well. If there is a possibility that a third party may share responsibility for your injuries, then you will want to work with an attorney who can help you to determine what your options are, and what the best way would be to proceed with your case.
Being injured in a workplace accident can leave you stressed and uncertain about your future. This makes it imperative that you consult a worker’s compensation attorney following a workplace accident, as an experienced attorney can walk you through this difficult time and ensure that your needs are looked after. Contact us to find out more about the importance of consulting an attorney after being injured on the job.