Worker’s Comp is meant to be a safeguard for the labor force. Things happen when you’re putting your time, energy, and sometimes safety on the line for an employer, and Worker’s Comp aims to ensure you’re covered when work accidents happen and you’re unable to earn a normal paycheck.
So, if the system is in place specifically to help with that, why do you need a lawyer?
Well, it’s a little more complicated than it should be, and today, we’re going to give you 9 reasons why you need a Worker’s Comp lawyer to protect your rights and stay financially protected.
1. Applying for the Right Benefits
There are actually different types of Worker’s Comp benefits, and while you might qualify for a certain type of benefit, you won’t qualify for others. Applying for the wrong type of benefit can cause you a lot of hassles you don’t want to worry about, denials, and more.
A Worker’s Comp lawyer can go over the specifics of your case and determine exactly which type of benefits you qualify for, on top of many other things that we’ll discuss throughout this guide.
2. Ensuring You Get the Full Amount
One of the primary reasons most people get excited about a Worker’s Comp lawyer to get involved is that the lawyer will help you get all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Depending on how you apply and a large variety of factors, it’s easy to end up being approved for less than you actually deserve, and fighting that on your own, or even knowing it happened, is difficult.
A Workers Comp lawyer can spot when you’re not getting the full benefits you deserve, and they’ll be able to handle that situation until it’s corrected.
3. Compiling Documentation
You need a lot of paperwork to file for Worker’s Comp. In fact, it’s a lot more complicated than it really should be, and if you don’t have guidance, it’s easy to forget crucial documents and greatly delay your claim process.
A lawyer knows everything you need to file because they’ve gone through the process hundreds or even thousands of times already. This helps ensure that you get everything together before you apply and that you have a far smoother application process in general.
4. Meeting Legal Requirements to Receive Worker’s Comp
There are legal requirements to meet before you can get Worker’s Comp benefits. These include various types of documentation, different tasks you need to complete to show you need it, and many other factors.
A lawyer will help you determine if you meet those requirements and help you meet requirements that you might not fulfill by circumstance.
5. Getting a Settlement
Sometimes, you don’t want the periodic check in the bank from Worker’s Comp. It can be optimal to get a lump sum payment for all of your benefits at once. However, it’s not as easy as simply choosing that as a payment option. You typically have to negotiate to get a lump settlement, and you have to negotiate what that settlement will be because it usually comes at the cost of lower overall benefits.
A lawyer can not only help you navigate the process to receive your benefits as a lump sum, but they can also help you negotiate to get as close to the full amount as possible. Remember, Worker’s Comp is meant to help you make ends meet because you’re unable to work. So, getting as much as possible thanks to a lawyer is certainly a benefit you don’t want to pass up.
6. Navigating Common Pitfalls
Again, it’s a shame, but Worker’s Comp isn’t the easiest system to deal with. There are common pitfalls that impact most applicants that have to be dealt with. In some ways, it can feel like they’re intentionally trying not to pay you what you’re owed, and if you don’t have experience with the system, you might not get paid properly.
A Worker’s Comp lawyer is a trained professional who not only knows how to avoid these pitfalls whenever possible but can handle them much more easily than you can due to their experience and professional expertise.
7. Handling Denials
Unfortunately, a lot of applicants who deserve Worker’s Comp benefits don’t get approved right away. Denials are common, and they’re not always called for.
Unfortunately, the appeal process is long, irritating, and difficult to navigate. Beyond that, if you don’t approach it properly, you can just end up getting denied again.
A lawyer can appeal a denial much more effectively, and even if Worker’s Comp tries to deny you your rightfully earned benefits, the lawyer can make sure you get them.
8. Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are known for trying to fight paying their insured policyholders. Almost everyone who has dealt with an insurance company knows that they try to delay things hoping you’ll stop fighting for your claim, find ways to nitpick until they can deny your claim, etc.
A lawyer doesn’t just handle Worker’s Comp. They’ll fight the insurance company, too. Your lawyer knows how to not only handle the on-paper stuff much more effectively and in a way that prevents wrongful denials and delays, but they also understand how to communicate with insurance agents and avoid accepting subpar payouts and other major issues.
This is key because your Worker’s Comp case might take a while. Getting insurance payouts in a timely manner can help keep you afloat financially while you wait for the Worker’s Comp.
9. You Usually Don’t Even Have to Pay Out-of-Pocket
Finally, you don’t have any reason not to hire a Worker’s Comp lawyer. They provide all of these benefits, but you don’t have to worry about costs.
Most Worker’s Comp lawyers don’t charge a normal rate. Instead, they take some of your earnings when you win. If you get denied, you don’t worry about it.
Get the Worker’s Comp Benefits You Deserve with Scott D. DeSalvo
If you’ve been hurt on the job, you need a lawyer who knows the system and fights to get you every benefit you’re entitled to. Scott D. DeSalvo has helped countless workers in Chicago win their workers’ comp cases and personal injury claims, making sure they get the medical care and financial support they need. Don’t let the insurance companies push you around; contact DeSalvo Law today!
