Workers’ compensation insurance protects employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. The coverage can help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with the injury or illness.
If you have suffered bodily injuries on the job, you may be wondering if you need to hire a worker’s compensation attorney like Aaron Allison Law Firm. The answer is: it depends. Here are crucial things you ought to know before making that decision.
- State-Regulated System
First, you need to understand that workers’ compensation is a state-regulated system. That means the rules vary from state to state. In Texas, for example, employers are not required to carry insurance. However, they must follow certain requirements if they choose to insure their employees.
- Coverage
Even if you have insurance, that doesn’t mean you’re automatically covered. There are many situations where you might not be eligible for benefits. For example, if your negligence caused your injury or you were intoxicated at the time of the accident, you may not be able to collect. Ask well-known attorneys, and they will tell you if you have a case.
- Timing Is Key To Comp Claims
The most important thing to know about getting worker’s compensation is that timing is key. This means that you need to file a claim as soon as possible after the accident happens. If you delay things, you will not get any benefits at all. So it’s important to talk to an attorney as soon as possible if you think you might have a claim.
- Workers’ Compensation Fraud May Lead To Severe Penalties
Workers’ compensation fraud is a serious crime. You could face severe penalties if you try to get workers’ compensation benefits by lying or cheating. This could include jail time, fines, and even the seizure of your assets. So it’s important to be honest if you think you might have a claim. Talk to an attorney who can help ensure you follow the rules and procedures for filing a claim.
- Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are not just for medical expenses. For example, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits if you cannot work because of your injury. These benefits are typically a percentage of your pre-injury earnings and can help you make ends meet while you’re out of work.
Contact an Attorney
Even if you don’t hire an attorney, you should still be familiar with the system. There are time limits for registering a workers comp claim; if you miss the deadline, you may lose your right to benefits.
Remember that you don’t have to go through this process alone. Several resources are available, including the Aaron Allison Law Firm. If you have any questions or need help filing a claim, don’t hesitate to file a claim.
Common FAQs
How Do I File a Claim??
In most states, it is mandatory to notify your employer of your injury or illness immediately. Your employer will file a comp claim with their insurance company. You may also need to file a claim with your state’s workers’ compensation board.
Can You File a Lawsuit if Your Claim Is Denied?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you may be able to file a lawsuit against your employer. However, speaking with an attorney before taking legal action is important.
These are just a few things to remember when considering whether to hire a workers’ compensation attorney. If you have any other questions, speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.
