Workplace Accident Attorney in Palm Beach
Thousands of people suffer from serious work injures each year and are denied fair compensation which is why contacting a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach is often necessary. A workplace injury can be terrifying, especially when you don’t know if or when you’ll be able to return to work. Often there are lost wages and that can put a strain on anyone. It is often why contacting an attorney can be terrifying.
Here at Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, we know that contacting an attorney is a big step and we are here to provide you with as much information as possible. If you want to learn more read on to know what to do after a workplace accident.
Report the Work Injury Right Away
Many people are hesitant to report a work-related injury. It can be seen as being a complainer or whiner if you report a work injury before you know how serious it is. The truth is, in many cases the simple pain you are feeling can turn out to be a serious injury that needs medical treatment. There is nothing wrong with reporting an injury, as not only can it make your job safer but other people’s jobs too.
In many states, you only have a limited amount of time to report an injury, and waiting can get you denied your workers’ compensation benefits.
Keep Note of Everything
When going through a workplace accident it is important to take note of everything that happened to lead to the injury. Take pictures of the job accident and any injuries that the accident casued. You should also keep notes of everything you said to report your work injury and everything your employer did in response to the report.
If there were witnesses then you should also keep track of what they saw and where they were in relation to the accident. When you go to the doctor you should keep track of everything that happens in that office. If the doctor is one that your employer selected as opposed to your own, then they likely don’t have your best interest in mind.
Seek Medical Attention for Your Injury
Even if the employer sends you to their doctor, you have the right to see your own. No matter what though, you should seek medical care to make sure your injury is taken care of. Something could be seriously wrong with you and waiting on insurance isn’t going to help. If you need medical help don’t wait, as that can just make your injury worse.
What To Expect Once You File a Worker’s Compensation Claim
Once you have received medical care, you may be wondering what happens next. It all depends on the extent of your injuries, the amount of time you need to be off work, and whether your claim is approved. You may even need to hire a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach. Here are a few different ways your claim may proceed.
Rely on Your Employer
When you report and document your injury to your employer, they are responsible for contacting their worker’s compensation insurance carrier to file your claim. Some states also require that your employer notifies the state worker’s comp board. If your employer doesn’t file the claim right away, a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach may be able to help move the process along.
Expect a Documentation Review
The insurance company may want additional paperwork regarding your injury before deciding on your case. These documents may include some or all of your medical records pertaining to your injury, including your ER visits, surgery notes, and data about any ongoing therapy. If the company wants an additional medical evaluation, speak to a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach to have them evaluate the situation. After conducting the review, the company decides whether your claim is approved or denied.
Pay Your Medical Bills While You Await A Decision
If it has been some time since your injury, you may have piles of past-due medical bills that you’re worried about paying before they get sent to a collection agency. Since this is a worksite injury, you shouldn’t use your medical insurance when you seek treatment. However, this means you may receive a bill for services provided to you before your employer’s insurance company makes a decision. To avoid collection activity on these bills, you may need to pay them before receiving a settlement. If this happens, reach out to a lawyer from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt. They may be able to work out payment arrangements with your doctors if the physician knows you are awaiting a worker’s comp decision and might be able to work with collection agencies to halt further activity.
Accept a Worker’s Compensation Approval
When your claim gets approved, it may feel like a victory. However, there are still critical decisions for you to make. Consulting a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach can help make this process easier for you. An approval usually means that the insurance company pays for your medical expenses and reimburses you for any money you’ve had to pay upfront. They may also offer you compensation to cover lost wages, suffering, and any permanent disabilities you have due to the injury. This payout may come as a lump sum or in multiple payments over time. An attorney from the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt, can help you decide which option is better for you and assist you if you are not satisfied with their offer.
Appeal a Denied Claim
Should your claim get denied, you can contact a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach for assistance. The first step is to file an appeal with the insurance company. If the claim still gets rejected, an attorney can file a lawsuit against the insurance company.
Contact an Experienced Work Injury Attorney
If there is any trouble about making a claim for an injury, or there is trouble caused by this injury, contact an attorney. It is better to be prepared than to be left in the dust. If the work accident was caused by someone else’s negligence then don’t hesitate to call an attorney as soon as possible. While workers’ compensation is good to have, it will not hurt to have an attorney on your side to help you through the process.
Contact a workplace accident attorney in Palm Beach today if you have been injured on the job and want to know more. The team here at Franks, Koenig & Neuwelt is ready to help you through anything that happens and we have the skill to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
