In some cases, you can solve a work-related injury. If not, when to look for a lawyer for compensation.
There are sometimes some unfortunate events when we face mishaps at our workplace. Now, in most cases, these happen in jobs where you have to put in physical labor. However, it can also occur in positions with no physical effort is required.
When an employee is injured in a workplace, the company is responsible for paying them compensation in money. People often hire lawyers to attain this compensation, and sometimes they do it themselves, depending on the severity of the injuries.
The typical workplace injuries include- muscle strains, slips, trips, and falls, being hit by an object, collisions, inhaling toxic fumes, cuts, etc.
Some of these injuries aren’t as severe, so you don’t require a lawyer in times like these. The fatal injuries need professional help for you to get the company’s compensation money.
Times you Can be your Own Representative.
Some of the most common non-fatal work injuries are-
- Any sort of soreness or pain
- Sprains
- Tears
- Cuts
- Lacerations
- Fractures
The following situations are when you can represent yourself, and you don’t have to take the step of hiring a work injury lawyer. However, we strongly advise that you still consult with a lawyer to see if you have a case. Most often, lawyers offer first free consult to assess if a legal case is worth pursuing.
- Minor Injuries
In cases like these, you could look to solve the situation by negotiating with the company yourself. A twisted ankle or a cut that required a few stitches is considered a minor work injury. The compensation sum is usually too small to make it worth hiring a lawyer.
- Your Employer admits the Accident.
If your employer admits to it happening on their working premises after your injury, you can easily handle the case yourself without involving a lawyer.
- No Leave of Absence After Injury
Suppose you haven’t taken any leave of absence after the injury or missed little to no work due to the injury. You can submit your claim for healthcare costs with your insurer and solve the problem without a lawyer.
- No Injury History
Suppose you don’t have a pre-existing injury history before the work injury. You can bring this point while working on your case and can easily claim the compensation money.
This way, you can show that you were solely injured and hurt at your workplace.
It is always advisable to resolve any matter with your employer by yourself without involving a third party. It’ll cost you less to nothing and make the whole situation hassle and stress-free.
However, one might think of contacting their attorneys in minor situations like these, which is absolutely a personal call. The lawyer can help you give an insight into your case and what possible steps you should be taking.
When to Get your Lawyer
It’s better to contact your lawyer as soon as you see any signs of severe injury, profuse bleeding, nausea, or any complication in the case.
Listed below are some jobs that have recorded to have severe work-related injuries:
- Retail Companies
- Health Services
- Manufacturing Factories
- Construction
- Transportation
- Waste Services
- Technical Services
- Violence Caused by Humans or Animals
- Exposure to something Harmful
- Fires and Explosions
Here are a few other situations when you should consider contacting your lawyer.
- Employer Denies the Accident
Call your lawyer for taking legal actions against your employer if they deny there was an accident at his work premises. The same goes if they also decline to pay you the compensation money.
Hiring a lawyer in this situation will be the best option as they will quickly solve your case and get you your fair settlement in no time.
- When the Settlement Money isn’t Enough for Medical Bills
Don’t wait if you are not sure the compensation money your employer offers is enough to compensate for your medical bills. Take immediate professional help. You will require a legal discourse involved in settling the matter – and for that, you need to rely on the experts.
- Your Injury is Coming in the Way of your Work
Consult a lawyer if your condition keeps you away from work, getting less work, and is used as an excuse to assign you with less work by your employer. If you develop a disability due to the accident, you deserve compensation for lost wages and income ability.
This will make up for the wages you have lost during the period of accident and recovery. You need professional help in cases like these, as they are bound to pay you in large sums.
- Apply for Social Security Benefits
Sometimes your appeal isn’t structured correctly, which may lead you to get less money than you deserve from the company. This situation is when you need a lawyer to go through legal documents to develop a solution.
- If your Boss Fights Back
Sometimes the employer can demote you, fire you, reduce your pay, or take discriminative measures after making a compensation claim. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to claim your right.
- Injury Led by Employer’s Misconduct
This compensation is claimed if a third party caused your injury. For example, if you were on your way to work and you get in an accident.
Your employer is bound to pay the insurance money in this case as well. However, if they refuse to take responsibility, seek legal help as soon as possible.
Claim What you Deserve!
Lawsuits might seem like a huge hassle, and sometimes people just avoid going through all the legal procedures and obligations. However, an extensive level of knowledge about employee rights is needed to fight your own battle against the unjust.
For more complicated cases, you can always seek professional help from your attorney. This opinion will cost you some money but definitely will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. You can avoid all the heaps of paperwork and document reading when you hire a lawyer to fight for you.
These cases are often solved with ease and never get too complicated. Even if it does, you can always hire a professional.
The decision is yours. Good luck and be safe at work!
