When Should I Call a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2019 saw 2.8 million workplace injuries. After an injury on the job, millions of employees wonder when it’s a good time to call a workers’ comp attorney. The short answer is that you should call for help as soon as you get hurt.

While the claim filing process in South Carolina might seem straightforward and easy, many people are shocked when their claims are denied. Having legal representation help you throughout the claims process is critical. Let’s look at why and when you should contact an attorney for workers’ comp.

An injured employee signs a document. Before you sign or verbally agree to anything, you should call a worker’s compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

Why Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney?

Having a workers’ compensation lawyer in your corner may be vital to getting the benefits you deserve. Unfortunately, a staggering number of workers’ comp claims get denied every year. The reason is that the government tries to avoid fraud, but this results in a lot of people who genuinely need benefits having to fight for them. 

That’s why it’s best practice to, at the bare minimum, get a free case review from a qualified attorney right away. This will allow you to prepare your case in a way that gives you your best chance at receiving compensation.

When Should I Get Legal Help for My Workers’ Comp Claim?

The best time to get a South Carolina workers’ comp attorney is right away. The moment you get injured, after you report the injury to your employer, you should call a lawyer. You never know if your claim will get denied. An attorney can advise you against critical mistakes, and they can help you fight for your settlement. 

What Exactly Will Workers’ Comp Lawyers Do for Me?

Workers’ compensation lawyers can handle numerous tasks to help move your claim along or take it to court if necessary. Typically, they can: 

• Gather all your evidence such as medical records, treatment records, second opinions from doctors, witness testimonies, etc. 
• Build a strong case based on the evidence collected. 
• Represent you in court and during negotiations.
• Assess your damages and keep track of your treatment progress. 
• Put your best interests forward above anything else. 
• Stop any potential stall tactics used by your employer or the workers’ compensation company.  

Good workers’ compensation lawyers cover all the details of your case, so you don’t have to worry. They know how the law works, and they can best ensure that your case gets fairly heard.

Benefits of Consulting With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

You get a host of benefits when you consult with a workers’ compensation attorney, including.

Fast and Effective Legal Assistance

Workers’ compensation and personal injury law can be a complete nightmare to navigate alone. If you don’t have any prior legal experience in these areas whatsoever, you’re at a considerable disadvantage compared to your employer and the insurance company. 

With the help of a legal in personal injury and workers’ compensation practice areas, you don’t have to stay in anxiety trying to understand every aspect of your case. 

Handling of All Communications With Other Parties

In addition to representing you during negotiations or trial, an attorney can also handle any of your communications with the workers’ compensation insurance or your employer. For example, workers’ compensation adjusters and your employer may try to get you to incriminate yourself as responsible for your injuries. 

Don’t speak to anyone until after your claim gets settled. Anything you say or do can get held against you and can prevent you from getting the compensation that genuinely reflects the injuries you sustained on the job. 

Accurately Calculating Your Damages

Many people who get hurt on the job downplay their injuries. Either they’re too nervous and want to maintain their job security, or they’re too nice and act like it’s nothing serious. A workers’ compensation attorney can cut right to the chase and accurately assess the value of your damages. 

Remember, workers’ comp claims typically don’t include pain and suffering. However, your attorney can determine how much your case is worth with a fair value and get you the proper compensation needed to move forward and recover. 

Can I Represent Myself in My Workers’ Compensation Case?

While you can represent yourself in South Carolina, this will only hinder your chances at getting compensation if you have no legal experience. Workers’ compensation companies and employers tend to prey on the inexperience of the average worker when it comes to legal affairs. It’s absolutely worth it to hire a lawyer to help you. 

Even though you may think a lawyer is “too expensive,” the truth is that without a lawyer, you could end up losing a lot more than whatever fees you pay. Your employer doesn’t want to pay you the maximum amount. They’ll always try to shorthand or delay your payments until you give up and forget about your claim.

Workers’ Compensation Claims Are Time Sensitive

Remember, you don’t have much time to get started with your workers’ compensation claim. You typically only have a short window to report your injuries and get started with the whole process. So don’t waste a second and get prompt legal help immediately. 

Get the Settlement You Need With the Help of an Attorney

People tend to underestimate how high medical costs can be without proper coverage. Don’t pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for damages sustained on the job. When you act fast with a strong South Carolina workers’ comp attorney by your side, the chances of winning a fair settlement are high.