Workers’ compensation laws are in place to make sure any employee receives compensation for any costs they incurred after an injury in the workplace. The key to workers compensation law, however, is that it does not discuss blame for accidents. It also prevents employees from putting in a personal injury claim against their employer.
Simply put, the laws are in place to make sure an employee can receive medical attention as soon as they are injured and that they do not lose out on wages for time off. If the injury is only minor, there is no need to go through any complicated procedures, other than following the rules and regulations as set out by the employer. Straightforward injuries can usually be resolved without any difficulties, therefore.
However, some workplace injuries are more complicated than that. Sometimes, a worker is seriously injured and this means they have to seek extensive medical treatment and will lose time off work. In this case, it may be required to seek the assistance of one of the best workers comp lawyers Los Angeles has to offer.
When Do You Need a Lawyer?
Below are a few examples of workers’ compensation cases where it may be required to seek legal assistance:
- If a claim is denied. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance. However, an insurance company, or an employer, may believe that the claim isn’t valid and then refuse to pay up. There are state laws that show certain situations in which a claim may indeed be invalid. For instance, if there is reason to believe it was a self-inflicted injury, or if certain illegal activities cause the accident to happen (for instance if you were under the influence of drugs or alcohol), then your claim may be denied. In this case, the employer or insurance company has a burden of proof, but you will need to make sure you enlist the services of an attorney to protect your own rights.
- If a claim is reduced. Sometimes, it will not be denied that an accident took place. However, your employer or the insurance company may state that only a certain element of your claim is valid. You will then need to prove that the full claim is related to an injury sustained at work, something that a good lawyer can do for you.
- If it is in relation to an occupational illness or injury. Sometimes, an injury is not the result of a singular event. For instance, office workers can get repetitive stress or lab workers can develop toxicity. Generally speaking, conditions that are covered under workers’ comp insurance are listed within state laws. However, laws can be very complex to understand and you need the skills of a good lawyer to help you with this.
Essentially, if your claim is not 100% straightforward, you should seek the services of a lawyer to fight your corner. This way, you will get the compensation you deserve.