5 Reasons Not To Hire an Attorney When Your Were Hurt At Work

YES! – you read that correctly. We are often amazed by the concerns that most people have as to why they avoid hiring an attorney when they have been hurt at work. It’s really a problem and I have no simple answer. However, we have put together, based upon our experience, the top five reasons why people do not believe they should hire an attorney. No one wants to call a lawyer. It seems like opening a can of worms.

Let's examine some of your concerns.

1. I don't want to lose my job. It is not in the employer's best interest to fire an injured worker simply because he or she sought legal guidance regarding a work comp claim. The whole idea of workers' compensation insurance is to avoid costly lawsuits. Firing an injured worker would encourage a lawsuit, and the employer knows it. In fact, the employer will be even more careful with an employee who is getting legal advice on his rights. In fact, most employers have nothing to do with the actual workers compensation claim other than filing out some forms and evenutally paying a higher premium for insurance if they continue to have an unsafe workplace! (One purpose of Workers Compensation is to encourage Employers to make the workplace safer!)

2. I just want my medical bills to be paid. In the case of a civil lawsuit you have to pay your medical bills and make do with lost wages until the settlement. Not so with workers' compensation cases. Workers' Compensation Insurance should pay for your medical care as long as you need it, and send you a weekly payment while you are unable to work due to your work-related injury. You are entitled to compensation for lost wages and any ongoing disability resulting from your injury. These costs can continue after the medical bills stop. Medical expenses are often paid even after the injured worker returns to work. An experienced workers' compensation attorney will make sure that you receive all of the benefits that you are entitled to.

3. I don't want to sue my employer. Good, because you can't. Not unless your employer intentionally injured you. An experienced workers' compensation attorney will make sure that you are given all the benefits that you are entitled to under the law. If benefits are being denied or inappropriately delayed, the attorney will take that up with the insurance company, not with your employer. The employer will not be sued. There may, however, be other culpable parties. For example, maybe the owner of the building where your emplyer has his office is at fault. Your attorney will help you with this.

4. The adjuster seems nice enough. That's his job. He gets paid by the insurance company to keep the payouts low. He does this by making you feel comfortable so that you will not ask too many questions, and will just "go with the flow". It is not his job to advise you on additional benefits that you may be entitled to.

5. I can't afford a lawyer. At Lever & Stolzenberg the initial consultation is free. And, you may discover that you do not need a lawyer. If you do decide to continue with legal representation, there is no fee if we are unable to secure an award on your behalf.

No one wants to call a lawyer. But the road to justice starts with finding out the facts. It starts with understanding your rights under the law.

The road to protecting your rights under the law starts with Lever & Stolzenberg. Please call us today.

Thank You,

Lever & Stolzenberg LLP