If you have been injured on the job, it's recommended that you seek advice from a
workmans comp lawyer. Workmans comp cases are rarely cut and dry. There are many moving parts to these cases. You must have legal advice that can provide you with direction on how to proceed. Here are five questions you should ask a workmans comp lawyer.
1. What Benefits Could I Receive?
While about nine out of 10 workers are covered by workmans comp insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute, most workers have no clue what that coverage means. It would be ideal if you asked the lawyer what benefits are available. An experienced attorney in this field can detail the significance and details of your policy.
2. Do I Have to Accept the Work My Employer Offers?
In some cases, after a workplace injury, your doctor may put you on "limited duty restrictions," which means you may not be able to perform your typical job duties. Ask a workmans comp lawyer about returning to work if your employer can provide accommodations. Some employers will adjust job duties, while others can't or won't. Either way, you need to know what your legal rights are after a workplace injury.
3. What Do I Say to the Claims Adjuster?
A claim adjuster (or administrator) works for the compensation insurance company. At some point in the claims process, you must give a statement about the injury. It's essential to be as truthful and concise as possible, as what you say can be misconstrued by the adjuster. Ask a lawyer how to frame and compose your responses to ensure you don't have problems with your claim that arise from miscommunication.
4. What Are Your Fees?
Most workmen compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis. That means you don't pay anything out-of-pocket if you don't win your claim. The lawyer will have you sign a document agreeing to pay the firm a percentage of your settlement claim. It's often advised to ask about the fee structure before hiring any lawyer. This is because you should always know the financial impact of the decisions you make and the services you enlist for yourself.
5. How Long Will the Claim Take to Settle?
While many injured workers may be eager to know how long a compensation claim can take to settle, it can be difficult for a lawyer to predict. How long it takes your case to settle depends on the unique factors of your case. A lawyer can give you an educated guess of how long it will take for your case to settle based on their experience and whether they've dealt with a case similar to yours in the past.
A good workmans comp lawyer will have all the answers you need. Call Jelliffe, Doerge & Phelps today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you.
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