Palm Beach Workers Comp Attorneys 
When is a Palm Beach Workers Comp Attorney Necessary?
Not all work injuries warrant the need for an attorney. The state’s workers’ compensation system and process has been designed in a way that is supposed to be relatively easy to navigate. If you were injured, your claim is pretty simple, and it was not disputed by your employer or the insurance company, you will likely be able to handle everything on your own.
For some people, this process won’t be as smooth. This is often true when the injuries are serious or complicated, or what happened is being disputed. If this is true for your situation, hiring our Palm Beach workers’ comp attorneys is advisable.
Situations That Generally Don’t Require a Lawyer
Let’s say that your work injury was minor. It required a short period of time off and treatment, but has completely healed. In this case a lawyer is likely not needed. Furthermore, the insurance company won’t usually dispute a claim that:
- Involves a work injury that is obvious related to your job
- Doesn’t require extensive medical care
- Does not result in a permanent injury
- Does not involve a lot of time off work
If your injury is relatable to the above, you might expect your employer to cover any medical care you needed as well as your time off. Most people won’t receive lost wages for these injuries – especially when a few days off work was all that was needed.
Times that May Warrant a Lawyer
If a dispute arises with your employer or the insurance company, it is important to think about hiring leading Palm Beach workers’ comp attorneys. It will be up to you to prove what you are saying is true. This means you will be required to gather evidence that challenges the insurance company’s position. Depending on your claim, you might need to take depositions, undergo an independent medical exam, or hire expert witnesses. These things require legal knowledge and guidance.
If you can relate to any of the following, please reach out to The Law Office of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt for a case review.
Your Claim Has Been Denied – Between 50 and 80% of workers’ comp claims are denied. Even if you believe your claim is valid, the insurance company might argue that the injury is not related to your work, that your injuries are not as serious as you say they are, or that you filed the claim too late. You have a right to appeal a denial. This process varies, and you will likely need to complete formal paperwork. Having one of the Palm Beach workers’ comp attorneys from The Law Office of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt will benefit you.
Your Permanent Disability is Being Debited – The vast majority of settlements or awards are related to permanent disability. The amount of compensation given to you will depend on the rating of your permanent disability. This rating is determined by a doctor, and possible in an independent medical exam organized by the insurance company. When your doctor’s rating is disputed, problems can occur. In general, it is common for the doctor of the IME to assign a lower rating than your own doctor. The insurance company will refer to this low rating and use it to justify paying you less permanent disability benefits. An attorney might be needed to convince a judge that you are actually more disabled that what the insurance company is claiming; thus, should receiving a higher rating and more benefits.
In addition to these things, you may need a lawyer if you have a preexisting condition, you are receiving government benefits, you cannot get medical care, or you can no longer work in the same profession. If you are ready to talk with one of our Palm Beach workers’ comp attorneys, call The Law Office of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt.
