Injured at Work? 5 Warnings Signs You Need an Attorney!
If you have sustained an injury as a result of performing your job duties, you may be unsure if you need to hire a worker’s compensation attorney. While some worker’s comp issues may be resolved without the involvement of an attorney, there are some instances in which you should seek immediate legal representation.
1. Your Worker's Comp Claim Has Been Denied
Legitimate worker’s compensation claims are regularly denied by employers and their worker’s compensation third-party administrators. If you believe that you have a valid claim to receive compensation for a workplace injury, you can file an appeal of your denied claim. Many lawfirms offer free, initial consultations as we do and require no upfront payments, so hiring an attorney can be easy. Having an experienced Ohio worker’s compensation attorney by your side as you pursue your claim can give boost your chances of receiving the benefits to which you are entitled.
2. You Cannot Return to Work Due to Medical Complications
If you are experiencing medical issues due to your workplace injury and are unable to return to work as a result, you should contact a lawyer immediately. Depending on the severity of your injury and the related medical complications, you may be entitled to additional benefits you may not be aware of which the worker’s compensation system may provide. A worker’s compensation attorney can represent you throughout your claim process and engage in litigation, if necessary, to obtain the benefits and monetary compensation and awards you deserve.
3. The Settlement Offer from Your Employer is Insufficient
Your employer may quickly offer you a settlement of an issue or the entire claim in order to avoid a lengthy and costly worker’s comp claims process. However, if the proposed settlement amount does not cover your current and future medical expense or lost wages caused by your inability to return to work, you will have to hire a workplace attorney to obtain the benefits you deserve.
4. You Have a Third Party Claim
There are times you can pursue damages against a third party because their negligence contributed for your workplace injury. For example, if you are a machine worker who suffers an injury because of a defective part in the machine you were operating, you may file a civil suit against the manufacturer of the machine as well as file a claim to receive your worker’s compensation benefits.
5. You Are a Victim of Retaliation
Because of the rise in worker’s compensation premiums that can result when an employee files a worker’s compensation claim, an employer may retaliate against the employee. If your employer retaliates against you because you filed a worker’s compensation claim, a lawyer should be contacted immediately. Acts of retaliation can include docking your pay, reducing your working hours, a demotion, unlawful termination or other types of discriminatory acts committed with the intent to harass you. An Ohio worker’s compensation attorney can advise you of your rights to continue to work free of harassment.
Worker’s compensation benefits can help you recoup lost wages, pay for medical care and can provide for monetary awards of compensation for your injury. You should immediately seek an attorney if you are not treated fairly or your access to compensation and medical benefits is in jeopardy.
If you have questions about your work injury, contact the attorneys at Tarkowsky & Piper for a consultation. Learn more about our attorneys and their "hands on" approach here.
