If you have suffered an injury at work, you must hire one of several Blacksburg workmens comp lawyers as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can guide you through the complicated process of seeking the help and benefits you need. Also, make sure you seek immediate medical care even if you have a minor injury. Keep in mind that continuing to work despite being injured may aggravate your condition, risking further injury.
Moreover, while you seek treatment, you should formally notify your boss about your injury. In Virginia, you have thirty days to report your injury to your employer. Otherwise, your workers’ comp claim can be denied. But, you should consider whether you must work with an attorney before the deadlines the statute of limitations set. So, when exactly is it necessary to hire a workers’ comp attorney?
If You Have to Negotiate with Insurance Companies
If insurance companies tend to push back on your workers’ comp claim, you may need to constantly contact your attorney. Workers’ comp insurance providers are expected to resist your claim by trying to reduce its value or deny it altogether because they are businesses that must generate profits. You can try to reach a settlement with them but they will pressure you to settle for less money than you deserve. If you are in this situation, you need an attorney on your side who can negotiate and navigate the workers’ comp system.
If You Have to Attend a Workers’ Comp Hearing
A workers’ comp hearing may not be necessary. But, if the insurer refuses to settle or just wants to pay a minimal settlement amount, a hearing is the right place where you can substantiate your claim and prove your case. In this situation, you need an experienced attorney to represent you because they thoroughly understand the court system.
There isn’t an exact moment after sustaining an injury that tells you when you must work with a workers’ comp attorney. But, you must make an initial call following an injury, so your attorney can determine what your best course of action is. They can evaluate your case to know when to officially work with them and if you must wait.
There are many things you must think about when you decide when to work with a lawyer for your workers’ comp case. From juggling medical bills to knowing the timelines that determine when you can start getting workers’ comp benefits, it can be overwhelming for you. If you want to get the help and benefits you deserve, speak with a skilled workers’ comp attorney for an initial case evaluation.
