When can I engage a lawyer for workers’ comp?
It can be a daunting and stressful experience to suffer an injury while on the job. Apart from the pain endured due to the injury, the worker is often unaware of their rights within the system and faces pressure from their employer to continue working despite being physically incapable of performing their duties. This puts their much-needed job at risk. With the insurance company’s lack of concern and attention, injured workers are left bewildered and uncertain about their next steps.
In the days and weeks following an on-the-job injury, many injured workers find themselves asking whether they should hire a lawyer. While each claim is unique, if you have sustained a severe injury requiring significant medical treatment and/or experiencing pain that limits your ability to work, it is crucial to immediately seek legal representation. However, if you have suffered a minor injury that requires only one medical visit and does not impact your work capabilities, it may be advisable to delay hiring a lawyer unless your condition worsens or your employer treats you differently due to the injury.
Retaining legal counsel soon after your injury is essential in most cases as many injured workers are unaware of their rights within the system, which employers and insurance companies often exploit. They may send you to a doctor of their choice who may not adequately address your injuries or accurately document all your physical complaints, potentially affecting your future claim. Additionally, your employer may urge you to fulfill your regular job responsibilities, even if the treating doctor has imposed work restrictions. Furthermore, the insurance company may request a recorded statement primarily intended to build a case for denying the benefits rightfully owed to you. Alternatively, the insurance company may attempt to prematurely settle the case without properly considering the actual value of your claim.
It is recommended to retain a Florida workers’ compensation attorney from the onset of your accident to safeguard your legal entitlements. In Florida, legislation enables individuals to pursue recompense and supplementary advantages in the event of work-related injuries; however, failure to adhere to the program’s time restrictions may result in forfeiting their eligibility for workers’ compensation. Furthermore, a workers’…
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