If you've been collecting your workers' compensation benefits, it is possible that these benefits have come to a stop. However, if you're not ready to go back to work because you have physical issues that have not healed yet, then you need to seek a free consultation with a workers' compensation attorney. The following are three situations that you may experience.
You're told you're ready to go back to work
There can be a lot of reasons for this. Perhaps the insurance company is simply looking at averages for time lost from work for your injury. In most states, the employee does not get to decide when they are ready to return to their job. The problem is that when you return to work too soon and end up aggravating the injury because you aren't fully healed. An attorney can look at your medical condition, along with any rehabilitation you have done, and get an idea of your progress. Your attorney can then negotiate with your employer about a better timeframe for your return.
You're told that you were never hurt
Basically, you're being accused of fraud. This happens to insurance companies frequently, so they are always suspicious. Commonly, a person is injured, but they exaggerate the injury. They are often caught because they are seen doing a physical activity that is beyond the limitations of their injury or an activity their doctor does not recommend. Of course, there is the matter of proof, and it is easy to have a jealous co-worker report, even though you are innocent. An attorney can investigate the situation from your viewpoint and not that of an insurance company.
You have been made a settlement offer
Any time there are benefits paid for a long-term worker injury, there will likely be a settlement offer made. Insurance companies want to settle as quickly as possible because your condition can always get worse. Of course, you don't have to take any offer made to you, but with the help of an attorney, the best possible settlement can be agreed upon. An experienced lawyer with workers' compensation will know what your case is worth and then be able to get you the largest settlement. In some cases, it may be best to wait for the outcome of physical rehabilitation or surgery.
You may think the only time an individual needs a workers' compensation attorney is when benefits are denied, but the truth is you may need one after you begin receiving benefits. Your benefits may be terminated because your employer thinks you're ready to return to your job, or the insurance company thinks you're not hurt. And of course, if you are offered a settlement, always contact a lawyer.
Schedule a workers' compensation attorney consultation to find out more.
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