When a person is injured on the job, they may question the value of hiring a Cleveland Workers Compensation Lawyer. A person needs to consider many factors when making this decision, such as the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the way the employer is handling the claim. A minor injury, one that the employer is not disputing and requires very little time off from work, can typically be handled without legal assistance. It never hurts to contact an attorney, however, especially when a free consultation is provided, as the lawyer can clear up any confusion concerning laws surrounding workers compensation. Following are some situations where legal counsel is needed.
Denial Of The Injury Or Illness By The Employer
When an employer denies a claim or benefits are not received in a timely manner, it’s best to contact an attorney. In many cases, an employer denies a claim, assuming the employee will not file an appeal. The reason for this is when a claim is denied, the worker doesn’t take any further action in most cases, and the employer benefits. A person should contact an attorney regardless, as there is no cost involved initially, and the injured party has a better chance of obtaining a fair settlement.
The Compensation Isn’t Adequate For The Expenses
Any time a person has a question as to whether they are receiving a fair settlement, it’s best to contact a lawyer. The judge in the case isn’t there to ensure the employee obtains a fair settlement. They must approve the agreement, but any reasonable settlement is typically accepted. When the settlement is not considered fair by the employee or isn’t covering the bills they incurred, it is time to contact an attorney to negotiate a better settlement.
The Employer Retaliates
Sadly, some employers retaliate against workers who file a workers compensation claim. They do so in a variety of ways. A person may find they have been demoted or their hours are cut significantly following the filing of a claim. Others lose their job entirely or have their pay cut. Any type of discrimination calls for the help of a workers compensation attorney, as no employee should be penalized for protecting their rights within the law and filing a claim of this kind. The Cleveland workers compensation attorney works to prevent this from happening.
The Ability To Work Has Been Compromised
In certain cases, a person may find they are unable to return to their former job as a result of their injuries or illness, and some may find they can’t work at all. When a person is disabled, either partially or fully, they may be compensated for the rest of their life through weekly payments or a single lump sum. In this situation, the company does all they can to avoid providing this compensation, as it does become costly for them. No person should have to suffer in this situation, and a disability compensation attorney in Cleveland can help to ensure appropriate compensation is provided.
Other Parties May Be Liable
An injury or illness may occur that is the fault of an employer and another party or parties. For example, if a machine malfunctions and causes an injury, the employer may be held responsible, but the manufacturer of the machine may also be liable. The workers comp attorney in Cuyahoga Falls works to determine if this is the case and files suit against all parties responsible.
Never hesitate to contact a workers compensation lawyer in Cleveland for assistance with a workers compensation claim. Individuals who do so protect their rights and receive compensation for an illness or injury they could not prevent. The attorney makes certain injured employees receive this compensation and are treated fairly at all times.