Following a work injury in Richmond, you may find yourself dealing with many things at work. If you are seriously hurt, you may need to stay at home, and even when you have been assigned light duty by your doctor, you may not find options at your workplace. When on light-duty restrictions, you should ideally look for gainful employment. You are also entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, and like many others, you are probably thinking about whether hiring a lawyer is necessary. Top firms like Injured Workers Law Firm offer free consultations, and at the least, you should seek a review of your case. In this post, check some relevant details about working with attorneys.
Quick pointers to know
- The insurance company pays the workers’ compensation benefits, and you cannot expect the claims adjuster to protect your interests.
- Just because you are filing a claim doesn’t mean your employer can fire you. Virginia is an at-will employment state, which means you could be fired anytime, regardless of these aspects.
- You cannot sue your employer. Employers in VA are required to have workers’ compensation insurance for all workers, which also protects them from lawsuits.
The role of workers’ compensation lawyers
As we suggested earlier, most workers’ compensation lawyers won’t ask for a fee to review your case. If they agree to work for you, they can do a bunch of things, including –
- Collect evidence: The lawyer is responsible for collecting medical bills, recorded statements, accident reports, and all relevant details that may pertain to your claim.
- Negotiate with the insurance company: If you don’t understand how insurance adjusters deny claims, it is best to let an attorney negotiate.
- Handle the paperwork: Your lawyer will ensure all forms are completed and submitted to the Commission promptly.
- Review other details: Your lawyer will also check if you qualify for Cost-of-Living Adjustment and other benefits.
- File an appeal: If the workers’ compensation claim is denied, your lawyer can help with an appeal. They will ensure that your case has merit when appearing before the Commission.
Final word
If you are confused about how to proceed with your claim or need help to understand the workers’ compensation system, relying on an attorney is better guesswork. You can ask around for best-rated lawyers or check online for reviews of local firms in Richmond. Hire a lawyer as soon as possible after the work injury to avoid common mistakes.
