When Should I Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer and When Should I Represent Myself?

Except in cases where your workplace injury is minor and the insurance company is not giving you a hard time, you need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. If you have suffered an injury while at work and aren’t sure whether you should get a workers’ compensation lawyer, the best course of action is dependent on how serious your injury is and how complex your case is.

When to represent yourself

Generally, you’ll do fine without a workers’ compensation lawyer provided all the following are true:

• Your workplace injury is minor (e.g. a minor cut or twisted ankle).
• The work you missed as a result of the injury was little to none.
• Your employer agrees that your injury is work related.
• You don’t suffer a pre-existing condition.

Even in these seemingly simple circumstances, it is advisable to seek the advice of a workers’ compensation attorney through a free consultation. The lawyer can provide valuable input, warn you of potential problem areas and give you their honest opinion of whether or not you can handle the case by yourself.

When to hire a workers’ compensation attorney

The moment any complications arise in your case is the moment you should start looking for a qualified and experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. There are a number of situations in which you should hire an attorney, including the following.

Your benefits delay or your employer denies your claim

It is not uncommon for employers and insurance companies to reject legitimate claims because they know that a majority of workers tend not to appeal, which is unfortunately true. Close to 80% of workers who suffer injuries at work make no attempt to appeal when their claims are rejected. Hiring an Oklahoma workers compensation defense attorney  is your best bet at receiving benefits due to you.

The settlement your employer offers does not cover all your medical bills and lost wages

You may feel that your settlement is not adequate, and it’s not really the job of the judge listening to your workers’ compensation case to make sure you’re fully compensated. Sure, a judge must append their signature on settlement for them to move forward.

However, most judges will sign off a settlement on the basis of it not being grossly unfair. For you to get a settlement that adequately covers you, it is imperative that you get a good workers’ compensation attorney on your side.

You are unable to resume work or even work at all as a result of your injuries

In case your injury causes permanent partial or permanent total disability, you may be eligible to receive a single lump sum or weekly payments for the rest of your life to cover your lost wages. Such a settlement can be extremely costly to insurance companies, and they would do everything in their power to prevent you from winning the case.

Having a highly experienced and qualified workers’ compensation lawyer handle your case is absolutely necessary for you to have any chances of winning your case and receive your compensation in full.