Workers comp can be confusing if you don’t understand what it means for you. It’s something that is required by law for employers of a certain size to provide to their employees following a workplace injury, except in Texas where workers’ compensation coverage is not mandatory. Here are some of the signs that you may need to seek out legal advice for your workers’ comp claim.aim Was Denied
If your claim was denied even though you were injured at work, this can leave you feeling unsure. You may be wondering what recourse you have in this instance. A workers’ compensation lawyer is one of your best resources for understanding what is allowed for your claim.
Insurance Company Refuses to Cover Expenses
Your insurance company will need to cover your medical expenses in a workers’ comp case. There may be instances in which your insurance company will ask for additional documentation. Generally, your employer will file a report with them so that your expenses can be covered.
Benefits Are Ending
If you’re still injured, your benefits should continue to cover your wages and medical expenses. You may even qualify for disability depending on the long-term implications of your injury. The only time that your benefits should be ending is when you’re ready to return to work.
Termination Following a Claim
Your employer is not legally allowed to fire you just because ‘you file a workers comp claim. This unlawful grounds for dismissal opens the door for you being able to file a lawsuit against your employer. A workers comp claim counts against your employer. They may be trying to get you off the books in order to reduce their premium amounts for workers’ comp.
Asked to Settle
It some instances, it may be to your advantage to settle a claim. This doesn’t mean that you should be confronted with having to make this decision as soon as the injury occurs. It could be a sign that your employer was negligent on their part and are trying to mitigate the costs of your claim. Get legal advice before you decide to proceed with any settlement decisions. You may still be able to file a lawsuit even if you were pressured to enter into a settlement agreement.
Workers’ comp cases can be confusing if you haven’t had experience navigating your way through them. Even knowing the law can still leave you a little frustrated trying to understand the nuances. Get legal help so that you can know that you’re making the right decision.
About the Author: Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She went to college at The Ohio State University where she studied communications. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and long walks in the park with her husky Snowball. You can find her on Twitter at @LizzieWeakley and on Facebook at facebook.com/lizzie.weakley.
