Why Hire a Hershey Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Your Claim?
When you get injured at work, you often ask yourself, “Now who is going to help me out?” It’s frustrating to be hurt on the job, but when your employer won’t pay for your disability, medical bills, and discomfort from living without an income, the frustration makes everything worse. This is where a workers compensation lawyer in Hershey comes in handy.
I know how daunting this process is, having been through it myself. A few years ago, I sustained an unexpected injury at work and didn’t have any idea of where to begin. My mind was spinning with questions: Will I lose my job? How can I pay for my medical bills? What if I can’t go back to work? This article is for those of you who have similar thoughts.
Why You Shouldn’t Handle a Workers’ Comp Claim Alone
I’ve got to say—get some help. I started out trying to do it all myself, thinking, “How difficult could this be?” This was a mistake. A workers’ compensation claim isn’t as simple as it seems. Without a professional to represent you, you may get none or less than everything that’s due.
Here’s the scoop: insurance companies are not out to be your friend. They want your money and they’ll jump at any chance to deny or reduce your claim, for no longer having to pay benefits. This is why having a workers compensation lawyer on your side is so important.
When I finally contacted a lawyer, it was like a breath of fresh air. She knew all about the system and was able to lead me by the hand all the way. Therefore, according to the writer—getting some legal help changes everything.
What Exactly Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do?
You might be asking, “Well, what does a workers’ compensation lawyer actually do?” Yes, what exactly? That, my friend, takes further clarification of roles and functions. They work to ascertain that the injured worker will receive all benefits he is entitled to, provided he meets requirements. This may include such things as:
– Filing the claim: All these forms to fill out. A lawyer who can ensure everything is filed correctly and on time might just keep away needless delays in payment.
– Negotiating with insurance companies: I have to see in person what kind of trick insurance companies play! One thing is sure: a lawyer does the kind of talking that can get better settlements from them.
– Representing you at hearings: In case your claim is denied, a lawyer can attend hearings and appeals on your behalf, a move that greatly increases chances of success.
After innumerable attempts at negotiation, my lawyer succeeded in finally talking the insurance company into giving me a better settlement than I could ever have done myself.
When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
You might be asking, “From the beginning, do I need a lawyer to take care of everything, or can I do the initial steps myself?” The point is the earlier you consult with a lawyer, the better. Why? Because matters can get complex quite soon after your injury.
If your injury is serious, when your claim is turned down or you are put back to work before ready—-you should involve a lawyer immediately. For my case, it all became much more complex at the point where my doctor and the insurance company could not agree how badly I had been hurt. Without my lawyer, I could very easily have been left out in the cold.
What to Look for in a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Hershey
Now let’s talk about how to book in for thai massage. Sure, the search could prove overwhelming. But there are all kinds of things that help to find the perfect fit—-I have stumbled upon one such thing.
– Experience: You don’t want a newcomer. So, does the lawyer have any record of taking on similar cases before? Believe me, being someone else’s guinea pig leads only to trouble.
– Communication: Can the lawyer really hear what is being said? Can you reach them? My lawyer was always on the other end of the phone whenever I needed him, and it made all the difference.
– Specific local knowledge: A Hershey, PA workers compensation lawyer will uniquely understand the local courts, judges, and insurance companies—a real leg-up for you.
I found a lawyer who not only understood my case but also was a great communicator, which made the whole process much more palatable.
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
Most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis. You will be inclined to say this to your friends who don’t yet know about the world of hurt they’re heading for when they come into your room and ask “Am I doing ok?” We are happy to help them as well as in any way else we can helping these lost souls find a way back home from the utter bewilderment that now lies before them on their trip downtown in destination unknown.
The lawyer usually charges a percentage of your award or benefits – usually somewhere between 10-20%. As it turned out, the percentage that my attorney took was Lewis Woodworth paying for his superior service to the company, while the settlement covered his fee, and I never felt out of pocket at all.
What Happens If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
Here is where the value of a good workers’ compensation attorney shines: when handling denied claims. When my claim was first denied, I was crushed. But my attorney told me that denials were not the end of the road.
He found an appeal case for me and collected all the evidence necessary to prove my point, including hospital records and witness accounts. It made a world of difference having that legal backing.
If your claim is denied, don’t give up. The next step is to hire an attorney who can assist you in appealing this decision and fighting for your rights in court.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Workers’ Compensation Case?
A workers’ compensation claim can be settled in anything from a few months to several years depending upon the complexity. In my case, it took approximately half of 1990 before we finally had a result, which seemed like an eternity at the time. But due to perseverance from my attorney, I got what I needed.
Bear in mind, it’s not always in your best interest to hurry the process. Sometimes better offers come along later. Trust your attorney on this point.
Real-Life Tips for Workers Dealing with Compensation Claims
I offer the following suggestions from my own experience:
– Keep a record: From the time they get hurt, workers must write down all doctor visits and treatment, as well as any conversations with their employer or insurance company.
– Obey your doctor: Take all prescribed dosages, and keep every follow-up appointment on schedule. You’ll damage your claim if you skip medical care.
– Be truthful: Don’t exaggerate the extent of your injuries, nor minimize them. The more frank you are, the stronger your attorney’s case will become.
– Be patient: This takes time. Don’t sweat the fact that results aren’t instantaneous; just be assured and watch things progress.
Why Hershey Is a Great Place to Find a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Hershey, PA, famous for delicious chocolates, is also home to outstanding workers’ compensation attorneys. Because of its small size and high-value industrial base, the legal community here is tight-knit. Local solicitors understand intimately the special problems that area workers face.
Whatever your work environment—whether you work in a factory, a healthcare facility, or in the service industry—you can always find experienced professionals who have specialties in workers’ compensation laws.
Conclusion: Get the Help You Deserve
Dealing with a workplace injury is stressful, but bring in a workers’ compensation lawyer from Hershey and you can change all that. Whether you are just starting or faced with a denied claim, don’t go it alone. Trust me, putting a lawyer on your side is one of the best decisions you could make.
If you are facing a workers’ compensation claim, ask yourself: Should I fight this one alone or have someone knowledgeable by my side? I suspect the answer to this will be obvious. Reach out to a lawyer now and begin getting help you deserve!