When you sustain an injury, illness, or psychological trauma at work and need to take time off work to recover – you may need to apply for Workers Compensation.
While the application process is mostly straightforward, if there is a dispute between you and your employer or insurer (or both) – things can go pear shaped.
An insurer might reject your claim. You might get less compensation than what you’re owed. Or you may be pressured into going back to work before you feel you have fully recovered.
When you feel you cannot properly represent yourself in cases like this, the expert advice, insight, and expertise of a workers compensation lawyer can improve your chances of a successful outcome.
To demonstrate this, here are 5 good reasons to consider hiring a workers compensation lawyer.
Help complete your Workers’ Compensation form for greater success
Filling out a workers compensation form requires you to provide very precise and accurate information.
Even a minor slip up can increase the odds of your claim being rejected and delay when you can access funds to pay for living and medical expenses.
By talking to a workers compensation lawyer first, they can advise you on how to properly complete the form, and what evidence you must provide in order to support the claims you’re making.
As a result, your claim is more likely to be approved the first time, and you’ll have the money you need to live comfortably during your recovery period.
Prove your pre-existing condition was a factor in your injury, illness, or psychological trauma
Unlike a standard injury, where you can easily pinpoint when, where, and how the injury was caused, a pre-existing condition can complicate matters.
Your employer may argue the condition was already there prior to an accident report. Therefore, in their eyes, any injury, illness, or trauma you sustained were already there and not related to work.
However, if you can prove there was a recurrence, acceleration, or exasperation of the pre-existing condition due to your work – then your chance of success is higher.
When you hire a workers compensation lawyer, they can tell you which medical experts to consult, what evidence you need to provide, and represent you on behalf of your employer and insurer.
This way, your pre-existing condition will no longer be a hindrance, but a strong form of evidence to support your claims.
Negotiate with your Employer and/or Insurer
Dealing with the aggressive tactics used by some employers and insurers can cause you significant stress – and even hinder your chances of a full recovery.
Worse still, in the heat of the moment, you might say or do something that impacts your chances of a successful claim.
To avoid this potential risk, it’s worth hiring a workers compensation lawyer. They are familiar with the kind of tactics that some employers and insurers use to get their way. So they will fight on your behalf and help you reach the best possible outcome.
Avoid being taken Advantage of
There may be times where an employer or insurance company does not act in your best interests.
For instance, an insurer may pressure you to return to work sooner rather than later so as to reduce your time on workers compensation. Unfortunately, some people fall for this, and put themselves at risk by going back to work before full recovery.
Again, you need to know how to respond to these situations.
When you hire a workers compensation lawyer, they can protect you from being taken advantage of. They can provide clear, irrefutable evidence as to why you need more time to recover, or advise you on what to say when pressured by an insurance company or employer.
Ensure you are Paid Correctly
Just because you correctly filled out the application form that means you’ll get the proper compensation, right?
Believe it or not, some insurers do make mistakes. They might misinterpret or miss key information which can reduce your compensation payments. If you’re not informed, you might not even realise you’re being underpaid!
That’s where the insight and experience of a workers compensation lawyer can help.
By reviewing cases similar to yours, and comparing the insurer’s reports with your own evidence, they can surmise whether you are not being properly compensated and – if so – what to do about it.
This way, you’re far more likely to receive exactly what you’re owed, and it’ll stay that way until you finally return to work.
McDonnell Schroder has over 50 years of experience representing worker’s rights. If you’ve recently suffered a work-related injury, illness or psychological trauma, and you’ve hit a roadblock with your workers compensation process, talk to McDonnel Schroder today.
To get started, simply call (02) 9622 1155 or fill out the online form.
