According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2022, 2.2 million of which required days off work. While many of these were minor, some workplace injuries can result in a significant recovery period or even permanent disability.
Those injured at work can benefit from the experience of a personal injury attorney, who can help them through the entire process of receiving compensation. Today, we’ll look at the most significant reasons why working with a personal injury law firm can ensure that your legal rights are protected as you recover.
A Lawyer Will Untangle State and Federal Workers’ Comp Guidelines
Labor laws vary greatly in different jurisdictions, especially around workers’ compensation. While many industries have federal safety standards that they must comply with regardless of where they are located, workers’ compensation bureaus are run by individual states, so the process will differ depending on where the accident took place. This can get confusing for the average person simply seeking to file a claim, especially as companies may not be forthcoming with how to do so.
Working with a local lawyer will give you the best chance at expeditious compensation for your injuries, depending on where you work. For example, if you were hurt in Franklin, TN, personal injury attorneys there can assist you in following all the standards required by the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, as well as appealing a denied claim utilizing their appeals methods.
You’ll Get Advice on What Type of Compensation to Pursue
Workers’ compensation is generally the best way to receive compensation after a workplace injury, as in most jurisdictions, it is a no-fault system that requires little investigation. All that must be proven is that you suffered injuries that needed medical intervention and that this happened in the course of completing your duties to your employer.
However, this is not the only option. If it can be proven that someone else’s negligence contributed to the accident, you may choose to pursue a personal injury lawsuit instead. For example, if the injury was caused by a contractor rather than an employee, you have the opportunity to earn a settlement from that company instead of your own employer. This will often provide greater benefits because your attorney can pursue a larger selection of damages.
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for additional compensation while you are receiving workers’ comp benefits. This is why it is essential that you speak to a lawyer who can help you make the right decision for your case.
Lawyers Have Excellent Investigation Skills
It will not surprise you to learn that insurance companies do not want to pay what injured workers owe, and they will do everything possible to reduce their responsibility to you.
Thankfully, a lawyer will have fantastic investigation skills that can prove who is liable and what they owe. They can request and review digital documentation to see if your employer is complying with labor laws, and they can also work with experts in your field who will help contextualize the accident in order to prove who was responsible.
Additionally, they can assess whether the employer was training staff on how to avoid workplace accidents, which may also prove crucial in deciding who was responsible for a given accident.
Your Legal Team Will Negotiate on Your Behalf
Following their desire not to pay out, insurance companies can use a variety of manipulative tactics in order to prevent you from getting the money you are owed after a workplace accident. An adjuster may try to get you to admit fault if you’re seeking a personal injury suit, or they may scour your medical records to prove that your injuries are due to a pre-existing condition. In some instances, they may even hire a private investigator to watch you in order to prove that you are not as injured as you say you are.
This can be incredibly stressful for an injured worker, especially as the average person is not trained in how to negotiate effectively with a corporation. In contrast, personal injury lawyers work with insurance companies on a regular basis and are highly familiar with all of the tactics they use to prevent claims from being fulfilled.
Your attorney will leverage the evidence that they have used in order to prove that the accident happened as you said it did, you were as injured as you have claimed, and that your injuries are worth a specific amount of money.
Attorneys Are a Powerful Tool for an Injured Worker
No one wants to be harmed in the course of their duties, nor do they want to fight to get the compensation they deserve. Personal injury lawyers assist in protecting your legal rights against large companies, whether that is your employer or the insurance company, and allow you to focus your attention on recuperating so that you can return to the workplace. If you have been injured on the job, always consult with a lawyer before making any decisions, as they will have invaluable guidance for you.
