When Should You Hire A Workers' Comp Lawyer?

The experienced workers' comp lawyers at Blank Kim Injury Law have been handling workers' compensation claims for many years. However, if you just suffered an injury at work, you may be asking yourself whether you need a lawyer or not.

When To Hire A Workmans' Comp Lawyer

It should go without saying that any person who does not have a legal background or experience traversing the claims process should not attempt to file alone. This point is critical, given the fact that even simple mistakes can derail a true injury claim.

Benefits can be significantly slashed or completely denied if a mistake is made on any of the numerous forms that must be filed. Once a workers' comp claim is denied, the only chance for victims is an even more tedious and difficult appeals process. A substantial percentage of appeals are unsuccessful which makes it even more important to be well-prepared in the initial claim phase -the appeals process must be avoided at all costs. Most appeals must go in front of judges, many of whom are notoriously rigorous and can make it quite difficult for the claim to succeed.

A lack of legal knowledge may be the biggest reason for victims not to represent themselves in a work injury claim, but it's not the only one. Other reasons for hiring a workmans' comp lawyer include:

Inability to return work. If a work injury leaves you without the ability to return to work, you may be compensated for your lost wages. A legal representative can calculate how much lost income you may be owed and include it in your claim.
Serious injuries. If you suffered a serious injury, for instance, one which required hospitalization, you should seek a work injury lawyer. Complex medical procedures are usually accompanied by heft bills. Not only this but they usually also require ongoing rehabilitation and/or physical therapy sessions for some time after the procedure. A legal team can take past and future medical expenses into account in their argument for compensation.
Chronic ("overuse") ailments. If you have developed an overuse injury due to your job, you could receive substantial compensation. However, the claims process for this type of case can be quite extensive and complicated. A law office can manage the claim on your behalf, taking care of all communications and documentation, while you concentrate on your own recovery.
Social security disability benefits. If your work accident or injury leaves you temporarily or permanently disabled, you may be eligible for disability benefits. Our experienced legal professionals can determine if you are eligible to apply and do so on your behalf.

Who Is Eligible?

Not every employee who suffers an injury while on-the-clock can be compensated for their damages. More specifically, in the state of Maryland, the injury must be produced rather directly by the work itself:

“accidental personal injury must arise out of and in course of employment.”

If you're not completely sure whether you're eligible to file a claim or not, get in contact with your team as soon as possible to find out more. We'll be able to clear up any doubts you may have with regards to eligibility and compensation, and stand by your side as you take the first steps on the path towards justice.