Injured at Work? 6 Signs You Need to Hire a Lawyer

When you suffer an injury at work, it’s likely to cause you pain, as well as potentially leading to significant financial loss. In certain cases, the best course of action will be to contact a lawyer who specializes in personal injury claims. When you ask a professional before making a decision, you’re more likely to secure a positive outcome, and avoid spending time and money on a claim which can be resolved by negotiation.

If your injury isn’t serious, doesn’t involve an aggravation to pre-existing medical conditions (for example, inflaming an already- damaged spinal disc), and you haven’t been forced to take time off work as a result, these situations are usually straightforward, and can be dealt with directly via the worker’s compensation scheme.

So when is it advisable to consult a legal expert? Here are 6 situations when you should consider it.

When your Employer or their Insurance Company Denies the Accident Happened while You Were at Work

If you suffered a minor injury that wasn’t reported at the time but developed into something more serious later, they may deny responsibility. This is why it’s essential to report every mishap, no matter how trivial it seems at the time.

When Your Employer Doesn’t Show They Want to Resolve your Claim Promptly

They’re obliged to supply proper documentation, file a report with the state workers’ compensation board, and file a claim with their insurer. As a rough guideline, all these should be achievable within one month – if not, consult a lawyer.

When you’re looking for lawyers to help resolve your claim, consider going with a law firm that has a reputation for employment law and resolving similar issues. Halunen Law, in Minneapolis, is just one example of a company that has reputation for helping clients resolve cases related to employment, unlawful termination, whistleblowing, and more. Through extensive research, incredible knowledge, and dedication to helping their clients, law firms like this are the ideal choice when you need to consult a lawyer to help with resolving a claim properly.

When the Insurance Company Denies the Claim

This is more likely to happen in cases of serious injury, or full and partial disability because these will cost them the most. As matters become complicated, it’s better to have a lawyer on your side, to handle things for you.

When the Settlement You’re Offered Doesn’t Cover all your Financial Loss

In certain cases, insurance companies will make a partial offer, that, for example, won’t cover the cost of ongoing rehab, or your lost wages. If the insurance company insists that you undergo an independent medical exam, for your injury to be ‘rated’, as part of the workers’ comp claim, a lawyer can help argue that the rating should be higher.   Rather than feel you have to settle for less than the full amount, engaging a specialist lawyer will place you in a far stronger position to fight for what you believe is your due.

When your Employer Penalizes you in Some Way as a Result of the Incident

For example, if you’re demoted, or have your hours reduced, on the basis that you can no longer carry out your previous duties, a lawyer can support you in arguing that these actions are detrimental and unwarranted.

When the Claim Involves a Third-Party

It can be beneficial to file a lawsuit if a third party was involved in your injury. For example, if your car was hit while driving for your job, or you were attacked by a drunken customer while working as a bartender.  However, as it will have to be proved that your employer failed in their duty of care, a specialist lawyer will be needed.