Legal representation is the last thing that many workers consider when they are injured. Indeed, most workers are concerned with getting well as soon as possible so that they get back to work to provide for their families.
Most workers' comp claims in North Carolina proceed quickly and without difficulty: employers and insurance carriers accept workers' claims as compensable and work to provide both medical treatment and wages until workers are able to come back to work. What many workers do not realize is that they may be missing an opportunity to receive their entitled benefits.
Medical Treatment and Correct Disability Status
Employers generally have broad discretion to determine which doctors end up treating injured workers. Some of these physicians may not have the workers' best interests in mind and may rush them back to work before they are ready, leading to even more serious injury.
Employers' discretion to choose a physician is not absolute, however, and an attorney experienced in workers' comp can help make sure that your injuries are evaluated by a physician who has your best interests in mind, allowing you to get back to work safely.
If a worker sustains a permanent injury in a workplace accident, a doctor will assign him a permanent disability rating. The rating helps determine how much compensation the worker is entitled to. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you get a second opinion about your disability rating, sometimes resulting in a greater benefits payment.
Calculation of Lost Wages
All too often, employers and their insurers make errors when calculating your lost wages for workers' comp purposes. An experienced workers' comp attorney can double check their calculations to make sure you are getting the amount of pay you deserve.
Retaliation
Some employers choose to retaliate against injured employees when they return to work from injury, either by reducing wages, transferring them to another less desirable position or even firing them. An experienced workers' comp attorney can watch out for your best interests to make sure that your employer does not attempt to retaliate against you for exercising your rights.
An Attorney Can Help
If you or someone you love has been injured at work, contact an experienced workers' compensation attorney. A workers' comp lawyer can assess your case and help you get the benefits you deserve. For more information, contact an attorney today.
