Getting hurt on the job can upend your life. A severe work injury could leave you wondering how you’ll get treatment and support yourself and your loved ones while you’re unable to work. Fortunately, you could be entitled to treatment and a percentage of your lost wages if you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, many workers who pursue financial relief through their employer’s workers’ comp plan don’t get the benefits they need. Issues can pop up during the claims process for many reasons, from conflicts with your employer, miscommunications with your doctor, or hold-ups with the insurance company.
So what are the odds of winning your worker’s comp case? Contact Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. today to find out what it takes to get the benefits you deserve.
How To Win a Workers’ Comp Case
There are several steps that you can take to improve your chances of winning your workers’ comp case, including the following:
- Hire a reputable lawyer — The success of your case could depend on hiring a competent workers’ comp attorney to represent you. Before you hire a lawyer, you should research and vet your candidates, meet with them for a consultation, and find out what other clients have said about their services. You need a lawyer with extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims and a track record of success. They should also give you the personalized attention you deserve and make your case a priority.
- Follow regulations — If you suffered a workplace injury, there are specific deadlines you must meet and documents you must submit for your claim to be valid. An attorney can help make sure you accurately fill out all your documents, submit them in time, and follow instructions given by your treating physician or your employer.
- Follow up — Workers’ compensation claims can sometimes get delayed or move slowly for various reasons. However, it’s important to persevere even when it feels like your claim is taking forever. Continue the course of treatment recommended by your doctor, and follow up with the insurance company at regular intervals. If you hire an attorney, they can handle all communications with the insurance company and might be able to expedite the claims process.
Given that your health and financial stability are at stake, it is normal to feel nervous about the outcome of your workers’ comp case. Hiring a skilled workers’ comp lawyer can give you peace of mind. You can trust that your case is in the capable hands of a competent legal professional who will tirelessly advocate for a favorable and fair outcome.
What Happens When You Win a Workers’ Comp Case?
If your case goes through the legal system and a judge decides in your favor, you should begin receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The insurance company will most likely have to pay interest on any benefits that have accrued from the date you were injured to the date the judge issued their decision.
Once you receive your initial award, you should receive payments weekly or bi-weekly. The judge in your case will determine the rate you are to be paid by considering the average weekly wage you received before suffering an injury. Your legal fees will also be deducted from your workers’ compensation checks and paid to your attorney. The insurance company will cover any medical expenses you incurred to treat your injuries.
Your case could also end in a settlement—before, during, or even after the court process. If you settle your workers’ compensation case, you will receive a lump-sum payment rather than weekly or bi-weekly checks. Many insurance companies prefer to settle rather than continue making regular payments so that they can get your case off their books and potentially save money. You should always consult with a workers’ comp attorney before accepting a settlement from the insurance company, though, as they aren’t usually looking out for your best interests.
Get In Touch with an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Pennsylvania
If you need workers’ comp benefits after a workplace injury or illness in Pennsylvania, Calhoon & Kaminsky P.C. can help. We are committed to providing excellent service and qualified representation. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our knowledgeable Pennsylvania workers’ comp attorneys.
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For more than 20 years, our attorneys have been helping injured workers navigate the complex Pennsylvania workers’ compensation system. We empower workers with the information and the representation they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families’ future.
