When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 19,600 reports of workplace injuries in Nebraska in 2021 for private industry employers, with those in the trade, transportation, utilities, or manufacturing industries garnering the highest percentage of injuries.

If you or someone you love has found yourself in a situation like this and are in need of compensation, you may be asking, “Do I need a workers’ comp attorney?” While not every workers’ compensation claim requires a lawyer, you may be surprised at what an experienced attorney is able to do for you in certain cases.

If you’d like to discuss your options for maximizing your workers’ comp benefits, give us a call at Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O. From our home offices in Omaha, Nebraska, we’re able to serve clients throughout the surrounding counties including Douglas, Sarpy, Dodge, and Lancaster.

Why You Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

When you become injured or ill while on the job, you may need to file a workers’ comp claim to get reimbursed for medical expenses and lost wages. For many minor injuries, this can be a straightforward process and one that your employer or human resources department can help you out with. However, there are some considerations you should take into account which would make working with a workers’ compensation attorney helpful:

• Help with filing: The process of filing paperwork for a claim like this can be overwhelming, especially if the injuries are serious. An attorney can help with all this in addition to helping you evaluate your options and gather ample evidence.
• Legal representation in court: Though rare, if trial becomes necessary, you’ll need an attorney to represent your interests in court.
• More compensation: Working with a professional has been shown to increase your chances of securing the best outcome, which means more money for you and your family to help you through this hard time.

When to Hire an Attorney

If you’re asking, “Should I hire a workers’ comp attorney?”, the answer is frequently yes, though there are times when it will become essential to work with a professional:

1. You plan to apply for Social Security disability benefits. Many people who are seriously injured on the job will also want to apply for Social Security disability benefits, but what they may not know is that their worker’s comp claim can reduce this benefit if it’s not filed correctly.

2. Your injuries are serious and have impacted your ability to perform your job. This may mean you aren’t ever able to go back to your original position or that you’ll need new training.

3. Your employer denies your claim or fails to pay your benefits. Your employer may deny your claim to avoid having to pay, thinking you won’t appeal, but it’s almost always in your best interest to do so.

4. Your employer’s settlement offer doesn’t cover what you need it to. When claims are settled too quickly, it can often mean that future medical needs are not included, and an attorney can help account for this.

Common Workplace Injuries

Workplace injuries and illnesses can be either acute (meaning they happen from a single accident) or chronic (meaning they happen slowly over time). Examples of acute injuries include:

• Sprains or strains from overexertion
• Broken bones
• Concussions or head injuries from slip-and-fall accidents
• Auto crashes that result in whiplash, neck injuries, and back injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns

Chronic injuries can include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Injuries that stem from toxic exposure
• Repetitive use injuries
• Hearing loss

Choose an Attorney Who Cares

If you’re in the Omaha, Nebraska, area and you’d like to speak with an attorney about a worker’s comp claim, reach out to our team at Harris & Associates, P.C., L.L.O., for trusted legal assistance. We have the resources, experience, and knowledge to help you seek the compensation that you deserve.