Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Going to work is an important part of your day. It’s your livelihood and it may help to support your family.
But when you suffer an injury at work, it can disrupt your routine and your life. If your injury is severe enough, you may never be able to return to work in the same capacity. Understanding your workers’ compensation rights is important.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is insurance coverage carried by your employer. This insurance covers lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs for employees who are injured on the job.
Workers’ compensation insurance is no fault which means that it does not matter who caused the injury, the benefit is owed to you if you were injured on the job. However, there are exceptions. If you intended to injure yourself or someone else and you suffered an injury because of your actions, then you would not be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. There are other exceptions and that’s why it’s important to speak with a lawyer today.
Do I qualify for workers’ compensation?
When you are the victim of a workplace injury, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. There are exceptions to this rule and that’s why it’s important to speak with a trusted workers’ compensation attorney.
Your benefits may include:
- Lost wages for missed work
- Medical expenses
- Benefits to cover a specific loss
- Compensation for disfigurement
- Rehabilitation expenses
Your lawyer will help guide you through the complex workers’ compensation claims process and help you determine which benefits apply to you.
I have a pre-existing condition.
Pre-existing conditions will not prevent you from receiving workers’ compensation benefits. But you must show that your current injury is not a result of your pre-existing condition. This can involve expert witnesses and doctor evaluations.
This is why it’s important to work with a skilled and experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. The right lawyer can help ensure you get the benefits you deserve.
Can I lose my job if I file a claim?
No. Terminating you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim is illegal. But this is not the only thing your employer could do that would violate the law.
If your employer demotes you, reduces your pay, or otherwise discriminates against you because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, they are acting in a retaliatory manner. Retaliation by your employer is explicitly against the law.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
Many people think lawyers are too expensive and they attempt to handle their claims alone. This is a mistake. Lawyers can help you get benefits you may not even have realized you could receive.
Many lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means he or she only gets paid if you win. Your lawyer will have a vested interest in your success and ultimate recovery.
A law firm is here to help with your workers’ compensation claim.
A lawyer can answer all of the questions above and the countless others you may have. Workers’ compensation is a complex legal process and your lawyer wants to give you the peace of mind you deserve, knowing that your claim is in good hands.
Consult with an experienced worker compensation lawyer at The Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt to help you file a claim that will more likely be accepted.