5 Things to Remember When Seeking Legal Advice for Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries are common in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the private sector reported over two million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2020.

If you’ve been injured at work and want to know what your legal options are, here are five things to remember:

#1 The Laws Regarding Workplace Injuries are Complex

The laws regarding workplace injuries are complex. The laws for each state differ, as do the laws for each type of injury. For example, some states hold a worker’s compensation provider responsible only for medical bills and lost wages, while others consider pain and suffering damages.

Additionally, different types of employers have different responsibilities when it comes to compensating workers. If you work at a small business with fewer than ten employees and less than $500,000 in annual revenue, your employer may not be required to provide workers’ comp insurance (though they can still choose to).

No matter what kind of employer you have or what type of workplace injury you suffered, though, there is no doubt that seeking legal counsel is always advisable before making any decisions about filing a claim.

#2 Do You Need a Lawyer?

Consider your injury. If you have a minor cut on your finger and need to get it stitched up, you may not need a lawyer at all. On the other hand, you might be a victim of a fatal injury. According to the U.S. BLS, there were a total of 4,764 fatal work-related injuries in 2020. If you, too, were a victim of such a fatal accident, you should seek compensation through a lawyer.

Seek legal advice before taking any action or making any decisions regarding your case. For example, if you want to file an injury claim but aren’t sure whether or not it’s worth pursuing (or how much money will be available), getting some help from an attorney can help guide these decisions while also protecting both parties in the long run.

A free lawyer consultation session should be enough for your initial understanding of the case. The free legal advice you get will help you realize what you should or can do next with the case. When consulting lawyers for any legal problem, you always have to keep the legal fees in mind. Since hourly rates can often be very high, make sure you take full advantage of these free lawyer consultations.

#3 Your Employer’s Insurer Will Have an Attorney on Their Side

When you go to a lawyer for help, be aware that your employer’s insurer will have an attorney on their side. The laws regarding workplace injuries are complex and may not be fully known to you. Your employer’s insurance company is only interested in minimizing liability and paying out as little money as possible.

The best way for you to get the most out of your settlement is by having representation from a lawyer who is familiar with these issues. A good lawyer will make sure that all relevant laws are applicable to your case, which allows him or her to negotiate the best possible settlement for you.

#4 You are Entitled to Representation

You are entitled to representation. In most cases, losing your job after being injured on the job is extremely stressful and confusing. You may not know where to turn or what avenues of legal recourse are available to you. It’s important that when you do seek help from an attorney, they have your best interests at heart.

The court can appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one yourself. If this happens, the court will pay for their services as well as any costs associated with preparing evidence in support of your case (e.g., medical records).

It’s very common for judges to make this decision because it ensures that workers who need legal help won’t be left out in the cold if they don’t have access to funds themselves.

#5 A Lawyer Can Help You Get the Most Out of Your Settlement

While you may be optimistic about your chances of negotiating a settlement on your own, it is important to remember that these cases are often complicated and require the help of a legal expert. Your lawyer can help you get the most out of your settlement by helping you navigate the legal system and by ensuring that all paperwork is filed correctly.

The lawyer will also be able to assist with any appeals if necessary, which adds another layer of complexity to any case involving workplace injuries.

According to the U.S. National Safety Council, in 2020, the total cost of work-related injuries in the U.S. was $163.9 billion. A lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and make sure you get the compensation you deserve. When it comes to workplace injuries, it is important to seek advice from a qualified attorney who understands both your rights and obligations under the law.