Do I Need a Lawyer if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Already in Progress?

When you are injured on the job, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. To receive these benefits, you must inform your employer immediately after the injury or illness occurs to kick off the claims process.  Many people think that filing a workers’ compensation claim is straightforward initially, but as the process unfolds, they realize it’s more complicated than they thought. When you’ve already started the process on your own, whether all is going smoothly or you’ve hit roadblocks, you may wonder if hiring a lawyer at this stage is necessary. The short answer? Yes. Even if your claim is already in progress, legal guidance can be invaluable.

When Should You Get Legal Help for Your Workers’ Comp Claim?

The best time to hire a workers’ comp claim lawyer is right after you report your injury to your employer. However, even if your claim is in progress, a lawyer can help at any stage. You don’t have to wait until your claim is denied (and denials happen more often than you think) to have legal representation. Having a workers’ compensation attorney early on can help prevent issues before they arise. But if you’re facing delays or have received a low-benefit offer, that’s a sign to get legal help as soon as possible.

How Can a Lawyer Help if Your Claim Is Already in Progress?

Even if your claim is in progress, hiring a lawyer can make a significant difference in your case in the following ways:

• Reviewing Your Claim

A lawyer can review the paperwork you’ve submitted to ensure accuracy. If there are any errors or missing details, they can correct them to avoid delays or denials.

• Updating Medical Evidence

If your injury worsens or new medical reports become available, your lawyer can ensure your claim reflects these changes so you can receive the appropriate benefits.

• Handling All Communications

Insurance companies may use any excuse to minimize payouts, even when it comes to workers’ comp settlements. A lawyer can communicate with the insurance and employer on your behalf to ensure you don’t say anything that could be used against you to deny your rightful benefits.

• Negotiating a Fair Settlement

A lawyer can assess whether the settlement is fair and negotiate a better offer that accounts for the full extent of your injuries and lost income.

• Filling an Appeal

If your claim is denied or the settlement offer is less than you deserve, a workers’ comp lawyer can challenge the decision and fight for fair compensation.

When Is Hiring a Lawyer Absolutely Necessary?

While hiring a lawyer can be beneficial, there are situations where having legal representation is critical, including when:

• Your employer lacks insurance
• A third party is involved
• There are disputes over medical treatment
• Your employer has retaliated against you for filing a claim

Choosing the Right Workers’ Comp Lawyer

Hiring the right lawyer to handle your workers’ comp claim is crucial to improving your chances of success. When choosing an attorney, consider the following factors:

• Experience working in workers’ compensation cases
• Success rates in handling similar claims
• Reputation
• Availability to answer your questions and keep you updated on the progress.

Contact Vermont Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today

If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, contact our experienced Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC at 802-457-1000 to discuss your case and ensure your rights are protected.

Source:

labor.vermont.gov/workers%E2%80%99-compensation/injured-workers/claims-filing#:~:text=Understanding%20the%20Claim%20Process