Whether you sustained an injury or became ill because of workplace conditions, you may want to pursue workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits will cover your medical bills and wage loss.
The workers’ compensation system in Virginia is designed to be a lifeline for workers who sustained injuries while performing their job. However, getting the benefits you deserve can be challenging. What you can do is hire a Richmond injured at work attorney to help you with the claim process. The best lawyer to work with is prepared to defend your rights and take care of your claim’s details.
Can You Handle Your Claim Without an Attorney?
Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is not a legal requirement. If you sustained a minor workplace injury or illness that may not cause you to miss work for several weeks or months, you may be able to manage your claim on your own.
But workers’ compensation is not always easy to deal with. So, you should consider consulting with an attorney soon after the workplace accident. If you have sustained serious injuries, workers’ comp benefits will cover your medical bills and give disability payments during your recovery period. While such benefits may be able to help meet your needs, there’s no assurance you will get them once you file a workers’ comp claim.
Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Hiring a workers’ comp attorney is essential due to the following reasons:
- Reduce your chances of being denied benefits. Employers and insurers may try to reduce your claim and drag their feet. If this is the case, you will wait weeks or even months to begin getting benefits. An attorney can help you develop a solid case and work on getting your compensation claim approved quickly.
- Collecting evidence. A good workers’ comp attorney knows exactly the evidence to collect to support your claim. Also, they can secure additional evidence necessary to fight a claim denial. This evidence includes medical records, accident reports, witness testimony, and expert testimony.
- Helping you appeal a denial. If the insurance company of your employer denies your claim, your lawyer can help you file an appeal and submit evidence necessary to the success of your appeal.
When to Hire an Attorney
To start getting the benefits you deserve for your workplace injury, you want to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. After the accident, seek medical attention right away. This is important for your safety and injury documentation. Your attorney will use this as evidence when building your claim or defenses for your case.