Workplace accidents can be catastrophic. They can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and even financial strain. In Pennsylvania, the workers’ compensation system is put in place to provide for an injured employee, and while it holds the potential for stellar results, going through the system to get the benefits you deserve can be a daunting task. Knowing when to hire a Lancaster job accident lawyer may make all the difference for your case. Below are some key signs that you may need legal representation.
Sign: You were seriously injured or permanently disabled by a work-related accident.
If your injuries are serious and cause you permanent or long-term disability, matters are a lot more serious. For serious job-related injuries, medical treatment and care may be a lengthy process, and your earning capacity may be significantly impeded for the rest of your life. A competent lawyer will help you get all the benefits and compensation to which you are entitled and which are necessary to cover your medical expenses and provide you with an income while you recover. An attorney will also guide you through the workers’ compensation system and help you negotiate a settlement deal.
Sign: Your employer or the employer’s insurance company has denied or delayed your workers’ compensation claim.
Many employers or insurers will deny or delay workers’ compensation benefits, betting that the injured worker will simply give up. If you have been injured at work and receive notice of denial or experience unreasonable delays, contact a job accident lawyer immediately to discuss the possible reasons for denial, help you gather the necessary documentation to appeal, and represent you at a hearing or negotiations with the insurance carrier.
Sign: There are two different opinions on whether or not you should be entitled to a particular type or amount of benefit.
You can disagree with the carrier over the extent of your injuries, the appropriate medical treatment, or the amount of your disability benefits. A Lancaster job accident lawyer may be able to resolve those disputes for you using evidence to support their positions, negotiating with the insurance company, and fighting on your behalf in court, if necessary. They will help to make sure you get the correct benefits to address your specific situation.
Sign: You think your employer is treating you badly – possibly by retaliating against or discriminating against you – because you have submitted a workers’ compensation claim.
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Retaliation can take many forms, including termination, demotion, reduced hours, or harassment. If you believe you are being retaliated against or discriminated against for exercising your rights, a job accident lawyer can help protect you. They can file a retaliation claim on your behalf and ensure that you are not subjected to further unfair treatment.
Sign: Your employer or their insurer is saying that the injury for which you’re claiming is the result of a prior injury.
Employers and insurance companies often try to deny claims by arguing that the injury was pre-existing and not caused by the workplace accident. A job accident lawyer can help you prove that the workplace accident aggravated or contributed to your condition. They can gather medical evidence, expert testimony, and other documentation to support your claim and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Sign: You suffer from an occupational illness, but because you worked evenings, the doctor your boss sent you to didn’t catch it. You’ve got a sign A third party – someone who is not your boss or your colleagues – caused or contributed to your work injury.
Some common examples include a member of the public who caused your accident at work, a contractor or manufacturer that provided defective goods or equipment, or a member of the public who owns or occupies the premises you were injured in. This can make the claims process more complex, as it can open up the possibility of you bringing a personal injury claim, as well as your workers’ compensation claim to ensure your injuries are fully compensated. A job accident lawyer can work on these claims at the same time, completing both at the same time.
Sign: Your case involves multiple parties or complex legal issues.
Some workplace accidents involve multiple parties, such as contractors, subcontractors, and other third parties. These cases can be legally complex and require careful coordination and negotiation. A job accident lawyer with experience in handling complex cases can ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable and that you receive fair compensation from all sources.
Sign: You are unfamiliar with the workers’ compensation process and your legal rights.
Navigating the workers’ compensation system is often difficult, especially when you’re trying to recover from an injury that changed your life forever. When you’re not sure about your rights to compensation, the claims process, or the next steps in case of a dispute, it helps to have the guidance of a job accident lawyer. They will explain your rights, submit the forms, communicate with the insurer, and litigate your claims for you.
Sign: You have received a settlement offer from your employer or their insurance company.
It’s easy to be tempted by a settlement offer, especially when you are in need of money. However, you will always be offered less than your claim is worth. If you have received a settlement offer, contact a job accident lawyer before you accept it. The attorney will examine the terms of the settlement, compare it to where your claim could realistically be taken, and negotiate a settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and loss.
Sign: You are concerned about protecting your future benefits and financial security.
In short, workers’ comp benefits can affect your financial future permanently. If you are permanently disabled but you settle your benefits for a lesser sum, you could leave yourself heading to a life of poverty in the future. A lawyer brings to your case experience navigating the complicated laws governing your situation. A lawyer knows what it means to have lost wages on a permanent basis and will guide your decisions in a way that will benefit your long-term financial security.
We advise hiring a Lancaster job accident lawyer if you are injured at work and facing problems with your workers’ compensation claim, such as claims that have been denied or delayed, issues over benefits, retaliation, or getting proper compensation for your injuries. Contact our office today to discuss your legal rights and options.
30 East Roseville Road, Suite C
Lancaster, PA 17601
Phone: 717-397-1010
Office Hours:
After Hours: 717-471-2168
Fax: 717-397-2644
Vanasse Law LLC is conveniently located just north of center city Lancaster just off Route 30. We are in Sterling Center just off Lititz Pike/Route 501. Our office has plenty of free parking and is handicapped accessible.
Located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Vanasse Law LLC serves injured workers throughout Lancaster County and surrounding communities.
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