Being injured at work can affect you physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially for the rest of your life. Depending on the severity of your injuries, it might even make it impossible for you to come back to work. You might have trouble working at any job.
Regardless, if you’re hurt performing your duties while at work, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries, medical expenses, and any lost wages. However, workers’ compensation claims are not always as straightforward as they should be.
The insurance companies that provide workers’ compensation must look out for their own interests. Sadly, there will always be people looking to take advantage of the system. Unfortunately, that means you will have to work harder to get the restitution you deserve.
Keep reading to learn more about what you need to know when filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Not All Worker’s Compensation Claims Require Lawyers
First, you need to understand more about the workers’ compensation claims process. Full-time employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance. If you have a claim, your employer will file it with their insurance provider.
However, if the insurance provider or your company is denying your claim, you will need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. They can also help you get more money from your claim if you feel like the insurance company’s offer is too low.
Certain Circumstances Must be Met
Several factors must be present for workers’ compensation claims to be valid. For example, if you were not given adequate training for the job. You might also sue if you were forced to work around hazardous material or were not provide the proper safety equipment.
Furthermore, you need to prove that you weren’t injured because you were fooling around or skipping over the proper procedures. For example, if you are given safety gear and you choose not to wear/use it, your claim would be invalid.
You Must Be Able to Provide Evidence of Your Injuries
One of the most important tips on how to make a workers’ compensation claim is to ensure you can prove your case. You must collect evidence to validate your claim. This includes medical documents, witness statements, video footage of the accident, photos of your injuries, and more.
Work with Gearhart Law Group to understand more about workers’ compensation claims and how to prepare for your case.
You Must Know What Damages You Can Pursue
Finally, get legal advice to learn more about the damages for which you are entitled compensation. It’s not just your emergency medical bills you need to worry about. If you’ve suffered a serious injury, you can also sue for:
- Lost wages during your recovery process
- Ongoing medical expenses (medications, physical therapy, etc.)
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of potential earnings and benefits (if you lose your job)
- Decreased quality of life
- And more
You need to think about how this accident will affect you in the future. Don’t settle for a low offer before going over potential long-term damages with an attorney.
Do You Need a Legal Professional Who Specializes in Workers Compensation Claims?
If you’re thinking, “I need help with my workers’ compensation claims,” you need to reach out to an attorney such as the compensation lawyers in Perth immediately. The sooner you take action, the more likely you will be to win your case. You must start getting legal guidance, collecting evidence, and setting yourself up for success.
And if you’re looking for more professional, legal, or lifestyle tips, check out some of our other blog articles while you’re here. Our website was created to help people like you make educated decisions.
