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Navigating workers’ compensation can feel like walking through a maze. You’re dealing with your injury, medical bills are piling up, and you’re unsure if your employer’s insurance will cover everything. At what point do you need to bring in a workers comp lawyer? Let’s break it down.

Signs You Need a Workers Comp Lawyer

1. The Insurance Company Wants to Take a Recorded Statement

Recorded statements are taken to determine whether or not the insurance company will accept or deny your claim. The adjuster may ask you questions that do not seem harmful but your answers could be disastrous to your case. You need to be very careful with what you say and how you say it. If an adjuster wants to take a recorded statement, DO NOT agree to do it until you have gotten advice from an experienced attorney. (Note…include hyperlink to blog on Recorded Statements)

2. Your Claim is Denied 

Workers’ comp claims can be denied for numerous reasons—maybe your employer disputes the claim, or the insurance company believes the injury isn’t work-related. If your claim gets denied, your case might not be not over. Take the time to speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer who will let you know if you have a good claim to pursue even if the insurance company says otherwise.

3. Insufficient Benefits 

Sometimes, the insurance company will not approve all of the treatment that your doctor recommends or it feels like they are not paying enough for your wage loss. A good workers compensation lawyer can help investigate what is going on, file appropriate motions and fight to get you the compensation you are entitled to receive.

4. Permanent Disability 

If your injury results in a permanent disability, calculating the long-term impact on your earning capacity and lifestyle is complex. A lawyer can help secure the maximum benefits you’re entitled to. When you get a disability “rating”, the insurance company will act quickly to try and settle your case. You may receive a copy of a Form 26A that they ask you to sign. You should not sign anything until you have had the chance to speak with an experienced attorney.

5. Retaliation from Your Employer 

Facing discrimination, demotion, or outright termination after filing a workers’ comp claim is illegal. If you experience any form of retaliation, it’s time to consult a lawyer.Third-Party Claims 

If a third party (not your employer) contributed to your injury, you might have grounds for a lawsuit in addition to your workers’ comp claim. An attorney can navigate these dual claims.

6. Pre-Existing Conditions 

Insurance companies often deny claims, citing pre-existing conditions as the cause of injury. A lawyer can help prove that your workplace incident exacerbated a pre-existing condition and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

7. Social Security Disability Involvement 

When a workplace injury affects your ability to work long-term, coordinating workers’ comp benefits with Social Security Disability benefits can be tricky. Legal guidance ensures you don’t lose out on potential benefits.

8. Disputed Permanent Disability Rating 

If your employer or their insurer disagrees with your doctor’s assessment of your permanent disability rating, legal intervention is necessary to resolve these disputes. The insurance company will not tell you about your rights to a second opinion and they will not tell you that there may be better options to settle beyond just accepting this form of compensation. Talk to a lawyer and find out the full extent of what benefits you may be entitled to receive and what your best settlement options may look like.

9. Complex or Severe Injuries 

For severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment, surgeries, long-term care, or  home health care, the stakes are higher. A lawyer can help ensure all your future medical needs are covered.

What Does a Workers Comp Attorney Do

Contact a North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

Workers’ compensation is a vital resource for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. To ensure you receive the support you deserve, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls. Remember not to delay reporting injuries, seek prompt medical attention, and contact an experienced lawyer.

The workers’ compensation lawyers at Wilson, Reives, & Doran in Sanford, North Carolina, are here to provide you with trusted, experienced, effective legal counsel. We’ll focus on your compensation case, allowing you to focus on recovery and moving forward in your life.

We offer a free consultation in which we help you make the best legal and financial decisions. To set up your free consultation, please contact us here or call us at (919) 928-5839.