What are the benefits of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer? If you have a claim for benefits, is it really worth hiring a lawyer to represent you?
While many injured and sick workers try to handle their workers’ compensation claims on their own, far too often, this proves to be a very costly mistake. If you are dealing with a job-related injury or illness, there are several ways an experienced lawyer will be able to help you.
7 Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
What can a lawyer do to help you after you’ve gotten sick or fallen ill on the job? Here are seven benefits of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Wisconsin:
1. Finding Out if You Are Eligible to File for Workers’ Compensation
First, your lawyer will be able to determine whether you are eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits. Not all workers are eligible—and, if you are not eligible, you won’t want to waste your time trying to file a claim.
Conversely, if you are eligible, it will be important to get started on your claim right away. Not only do strict deadlines apply to workers’ compensation claims in Wisconsin; but, if you wait any longer than necessary to start the process, this could make it more difficult to collect the benefits you deserve.
2. Finding Out What Benefits You Are Eligible to Receive
If you are eligible to file for workers’ compensation, you will also need to make sure you know what benefits you are eligible to receive. Broadly speaking, workers’ compensation benefits fall into two categories: (i) medical benefits; and, (ii) disability benefits.
While all workers who qualify for workers’ compensation are eligible for medical benefits, to collect disability benefits, you need to meet additional requirements. You also need to determine whether you are eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD), temporary total disability (TTD), permanent partial disability (PPD), permanent total disability (PTD), or some combination of the above.
3. Making Sure You Do Everything Necessary to File Your Claim on Time
Once you determine that you have a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to make sure you do everything that is necessary to file your claim on time. If you don’t file your claim on time, or if you don’t file your claim correctly, these are both mistakes that can leave you unable to collect the benefits to which you are (or were) legally entitled.
4. Making Sure Your Employer and Its Insurance Company Treat You Fairly
Even if you correctly file your workers’ compensation claim on time, there is no guarantee that you will receive the benefits you deserve. Employers and their insurance companies routinely dispute workers’ compensation claims—and, sometimes, they do so unfairly. When you hire a lawyer to represent you, your lawyer can deal with your employer and its insurance company on your behalf. Your lawyer can make sure these companies treat you fairly so that you do not unknowingly let them take advantage of you.
5. Getting the Answers You Need Throughout Your Recovery
When you are dealing with a job-related injury or illness, filing a workers’ compensation claim is just the first step in the recovery process. As you work through your recovery, you may encounter various issues, and you may have various questions about your legal rights.
Similarly, when you hire a lawyer to represent you, filing your claim is just the first step in your lawyer’s ongoing legal representation. Your lawyer will be available to answer any questions you may have; and, if you need help making informed decisions, your lawyer will be able to provide the advice you need to feel confident in your next steps.
6. Filing Any Other Claims You May Be Eligible to File
Another important benefit of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is that your lawyer will be able to determine if there are any other claims you are eligible to file. Regardless of whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits under Wisconsin law, you could also be entitled to file claims such as:
- Personal Injury Claim – While employers that provide workers’ compensation coverage are generally immune from employees’ personal injury claims, you could have a personal injury claim against a property owner, product manufacturer, negligent driver, or any other third party that is responsible for your on-the-job injury.
- Social Security Disability (SSD) Claim – Social Security Disability (SSD) pays benefits to eligible workers who have been diagnosed with disabling injuries and illnesses. Your lawyer will be able to determine if your medical condition qualifies as a disability for purposes of seeking SSD benefits.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Claim – Supplemental security income (SSI) is another Social Security program that pays benefits to qualifying employees. Here too, your lawyer can assess your eligibility and file a claim on your behalf if warranted.
These are just examples. When you sit down with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for a free initial consultation, your lawyer will help you assess all of your legal options. If you are eligible for compensation or benefits outside of workers’ compensation, your lawyer will be able to assist you with pursuing your other claims as well.
7. Being Prepared to Deal with Any Issues that Arise
From being denied benefits to having your benefits terminated prematurely, various issues can arise after you have filed for workers’ compensation in Wisconsin. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you will be prepared to promptly deal with any issues that arise so that you do not face adverse financial or health consequences unnecessarily.
Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Madison Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Are you on the fence about talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer? If so, we strongly encourage you to contact us for a free consultation before you make any decisions. To speak with an experienced Madison workers’ compensation lawyer in confidence as soon as possible, call 608-305-4518 or tell us how we can reach you online today.