The benefits of hiring an attorney for your workers’ comp claim
In an ideal world, the workers’ compensation system would be efficient and hassle-free. Indeed, workers’ compensation was created with the goal of reducing legal work and costs on both sides. Employees would have their claims processed and approved quickly, and employers would avoid costly lawsuits.
Unfortunately, we don’t live in an ideal world – especially when it comes to workers’ compensation. The system is often bureaucratic and slow, and when claims are disputed, the process tends to favor employers and insurance companies.
As the injured worker, you are the underdog in the struggle over workers’ compensation. For this and other reasons, it is a good idea to seek help from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
First of all, an attorney can take a lot of stress off of you and your family. Like all government programs, workers’ compensation involves a surprising number of forms and procedures. Attorneys handle this type of paperwork all the time, and they understand that you likely have more important things to worry about. It’s especially hard to deal with a bureaucratic system when you are trying to heal from your work-related injury or illness.
Second, an attorney can help you present a strong claim at every step in the process. Most people think of hiring a workers’ compensation attorney after their initial claim has been denied (which is a good idea), but an attorney can and should be brought in sooner. Filing a strong claim the first time can reduce the chances that it will be denied. And if your claim is denied, you will already have an attorney familiar with your case who can help you file an appeal.
Finally, you should seek help from an attorney because you have almost nothing to lose by doing so. Our firm, Alverson + O’Brien, P.C., offers free consultations. You can discuss the details of your case with us without worrying about the cost. We also work on a contingency basis. Hiring us right away will not cost you any more money than hiring us later in the process.
If you’d like to learn more about how Alverson + O’Brien can help with your workers’ compensation claim or appeal, please visit our website.
