Considerations For Deciding If You Need A Workman's Compensation Attorney
If you were injured at work, then you are probably being told by friends and family that you need to hire a workman's compensation attorney. However, whether or not you need to bring a case against your employer's workman's compensation policy depends on a variety of factors unique to your unique situation.
If you are struggling to decide whether or not you need to hire a workman's compensation lawyer, here are some considerations to help you decide.
Consideration: You Employer Pays the Premiums for Their Workman's Compensation Insurance Policy
The first thing you must remember when speaking with your employer's worker's compensation insurance company is that your employer pays the premiums — not you! The policy aims to prevent your employer from being sued by injured employees.
Workers injured on the job often view workman's compensation insurance companies as neutral third parties. In an ideal world, this would be the case. However, in the real world, it is essential to remember that their loyalty ultimately lies with their policyholder.
The fact that you do not pay the insurance premium does not mean that you should not be taken seriously or that your claim should not be paid what it is worth. If you feel the insurance company is not taking your workman's compensation claim seriously, it's time to shop for a workman's compensation lawyer to fight for your rights.
Consideration: You Already Have Existing Chronic Medical Conditions
Whether the workman's compensation insurance company has been receptive to your needs to date or not, it is vital to consult with a workman's compensation lawyer if you already have an existing chronic medical condition.
Suppose for a moment you have chronic back pain from a bulging disc in your lower back, and you slipped and fell at work. If one of your claims in your workman's compensation case is that you now have worse lower back pain, the insurance company will likely try to blame it on your pre-existing condition.
You must consult with an attorney to ensure your existing medical conditions are not used against you during your worker's compensation claim settlement.
This is especially true if the insurance company has set up an appointment with one of "their" doctors and is requiring you to go see them. You should not attend any insurance company-mandated appointments until you seek the counsel of a qualified local worker's compensation attorney and know your rights.
Contact a workman's compensation law firm like Siben & Siben LLP to learn more.
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