Do You Need a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

You might be surprised to hear a law firm say this, but you don’t need a lawyer for every workers’ compensation claim. If you suffered a minor injury on the job, your employer takes responsibility for your injuries, and you don’t have a preexisting condition, handling your own workers’ compensation claim may be in your best interests. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work out that way.
Here are 5 scenarios when you should hire an attorney to represent you in a workers’ compensation claim:

1. Your employer denies your claim. If your claim is denied for a legitimate injury on the job, there’s very little recourse you can take on your own. You need a lawyer to fight on your behalf to get the benefits you deserve.
2. You can’t return to the job due to your injuries. If your injuries are substantial enough to permanently keep you from working, you may be entitled to lifetime benefits. Negotiating that type of arrangement is best done with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
3. Your settlement doesn’t cover all of your medical expenses or lost wages. It’s not the court’s responsibility to get you fair compensation for your future medical expenses or lost wages. If you think your settlement doesn’t adequately compensate you for your injuries, call an attorney immediately.
4. You already receive Social Security disability benefits. There are specific financial pitfalls that may apply in your workers’ compensation case if you currently receive Social Security disability benefits. An experienced attorney can navigate those pitfalls to protect your settlement.
5. Your employer retaliates against you. It is against the law for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you were fired, demoted, or otherwise discriminated against because of your on-the-job injury, call an attorney immediately.

At Cofman Townsley, we have experience helping the injured workers of St. Louis get the benefits they deserve. If you were injured on the job, give us a call today for a free consultation.