December 14, 2020 | Workers' compensation

Injuries suffered in the workplace or illnesses resulting from work can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims. If you have suffered a work-related illness or injury, you may be wondering what to do next.

The first step should be to seek medical attention and notify your employer of your injury. The next step is to determine whether you need a workers’ compensation attorney.

When a lawyer isn’t necessary

Not every victim of a work-related injury or illness requires the assistance of a lawyer.  The workers’ compensation system in Omaha, Nebraska and other jurisdictions has been designed in a way to make it relatively easy for workers to navigate when seeking compensation. In many instances, workers are able to successfully obtain compensation when:

• They have suffered injuries that are clearly related to their work
• Their employers admit that the injuries happened at work
• They don’t have to take long periods off work due to injury
• The incident does not result in permanent injuries
• They do not have a pre-existing condition that affects the same part of the body to which they have suffered a recent workplace injury.

Even if your case seems straightforward, it is a good idea to consult a workers’ compensation attorney. A workers’ compensation attorney will walk you through the claims process and can answer questions. They will give you an honest appraisal of your case and help you determine the best approach. They can tell you whether you can work on your claim on your own or require legal assistance.  Many workers’ compensation attorneys offer free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. You have nothing to lose by consulting a lawyer.

When you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer

Anyone that has filed a workers’ compensation claim will tell you that even what appears to be a simple claim can quickly turn into a complicated battle. It is always a good idea to get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer for help right from the start.

If your claim is denied or benefits are not paid promptly, you should strongly consider retaining an attorney.

Claims are sometimes denied or suppressed by employers and insurance companies. . Some employees are afraid to report work injuries because they fear retaliation from their employers as was pointed out in the case of underreported injuries at UPS. Employers sometimes reject legitimate claims for workers compensation hoping the injured worker will accept the denial and not appeal.

If your claim has been denied or you have not received what you are owed, you should get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer. It costs nothing upfront and will be your best chance at receiving a fair settlement.

• Your injury or illness has affected your ability to work

If your injury or illness has resulted in a permanent disability (either partial or total), you will need to consider factors such as how you will earn a living in the future and whether you will need to change careers. You may be entitled to payments to make up for lost wages.

These cases are often the most expensive for employers and insurance companies. They will likely do all they can to avoid paying you what is rightly yours. A workers’ compensation attorney will help you maximize your workers’ compensation benefits. They will help you with options to find solutions that will make your future as secure as possible.

• Your employer’s settlement won’t cover your medical bills or lost wages

Employers and insurance providers will do their best to avoid losing money. Even if they agree to paying compensation, they may try to minimize the amount they pay.

A workers’ compensation attorney will make sure you get a fair deal. They will determine how much you should be compensated in lost wages as well as for your medical bills and related expenses. They will also put pressure on the insurance company to approve any necessary medical treatment so that you can receive the treatment you need promptly.

• You want to apply for or are already receiving other government benefits

A poorly structured settlement can result in lower payments in government benefits such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will know how to draft the settlement to minimize or eliminate offsets in any government benefits due to you.

Get the compensation due to you

The workers’ compensation system was designed to provide injured workers with fair and prompt compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses. However, many employers and insurance providers are seeking ways to avoid paying workers the benefits they are entitled to. Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will help to level the playing field and improve your chances of receiving compensation.

If you’re seeking a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney in Omaha, Nebraska (NE), get in touch with us. We’ll help to tilt the scales of justice in your favor.

Workers Comp Omaha