Important Evidence for Workers’ Compensation Claims
If you have suffered an injury at work, you may be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, in order to receive these benefits, you need to provide concrete evidence that you were indeed hurt at work. Many workers’ compensation claims have been denied because of insufficient evidence. A Kenosha, Wisconsin workers’ compensation lawyer at Hickey & Turim SC provides the following list of the evidence you need to have a successful claim.
Medical Records
Medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence in a workers’ compensation case. They show that your injuries did occur in the workplace. These records also describe the severity of your injuries and the types of treatments you will require. For example, if you suffered a head injury, you may require physical rehabilitation for several months. Your workers’ compensation lawyer in Kenosha WI will obtain medical records from all the medical providers you’ve seen, including emergency room doctors, family physicians, and physical therapists.
Medical Bills
Your medical bills are another thing you will want to hold onto for your workers’ compensation claim. These bills are proof of the costs you have incurred thus far for your injury. Your workers’ compensation lawyer in Kenosha WI will need to provide those bills to the insurance company for payments. In some cases, medical providers may bill the insurance company directly.
Employment Records
Be sure to save pay stubs to prove the amount of hours you worked every week and your hourly wage. Although your employer should provide the workers’ compensation insurance company with your weekly wage, having this information to give to your Kenosha WI workers’ compensation lawyer will help if there are any issues regarding the benefit amount you deserve.
Accident Report
After you get injured in the workplace, it is important to notify your employer immediately so that they can make an accident report. This report will include pertinent details about the accident, such as where and how it occurred and the injuries you sustained. Ask for a copy of this accident report as soon as it is available.
Witness Statements
If there were co-workers and others who witnessed your workplace accident, they could be an important element of your workers’ compensation claim. If the insurance company tries to dispute your claim, these witnesses could say that they saw you get hurt at work.
Economic Expert
While some work injuries are fairly easy to recover from, others can lead to permanent disability. If your work injury has resulted in a permanent disability that prevents you from working, you may be entitled to lifetime disability payments. However, it may be necessary to hire an economic expert to determine the value of your future lost wages.
When You Should Hire a Workers Compensation Lawyer
Your Proposed Settlement Doesn’t Cover Your Costs
After you file your workers compensation claim, your employer’s insurance company may contact you with a settlement offer. Unfortunately, most of the time, this offer is way too low to cover your medical costs and lost wages. If you receive a settlement offer that is too small, you should contact a workers compensation lawyer in Kenosha WI, such as Hickey & Turim SC. These professionals can help you negotiate a better settlement or argue your case in court.
Your Claim is Denied
If you have a valid claim, and your employer or the insurance company denies your claim, you should contact an attorney immediately. In many cases, insurance companies will deny your first attempt at collecting money. Their job is to make a profit, and paying claims defeats this purpose. In addition, many individuals won’t fight after they receive a denial, even if the claim is valid. Because you will typically pay nothing upfront, there is no downside to working with a workers compensation lawyer in Kenosha WI.
You Experience Retaliation at Work
If you are able to go back to work after an injury, your work environment should not change. However, sometimes, an employer may retaliate against you for filing your claim. This is unfortunate, and it is not legal. Therefore, if your hours are changed, you are demoted or fired or you experience a reduction in your salary, you should seek the help of a workers compensation lawyer, such as Hickey & Turim SC. These individuals can help you navigate the discrimination and should be able to get it stopped. If further legal action is necessary, you have an attorney who is familiar with your case.
You Cannot Return to Work
Unfortunately, there are accidents that prevent you from returning to your job due to a permanent disability. Your work may also be limited in these cases. Partial or total permanent disability can have a significant impact on your financial situation. Therefore, you may be eligible for weekly payments or a lump sum settlement to cover this lost income. However, the insurance company will fight this kind of settlement, so your best defense is a workers compensation lawyer in Kenosha WI. These professionals know how to estimate the care and financial support you will need. They are also adept at negotiation and persuasive in court. They also have assets, such as expert witnesses, that help them make your case.
If you have been injured at work, you should speak to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer Kenosha WI workers recommend from Hickey & Turim SC as soon as possible. They can review the details of your case and advise you the best way to proceed. A workers’ compensation lawyer can ensure that your legal rights are protected and improve your chances of getting a fair settlement.
