An on-the-job injury can lead to costly medical bills and even temporary unemployment. Fortunately, workers’ compensation benefits can cover the costs of your treatment and support you during such a difficult time.
If you’re filing a worker’s compensation claim, you may be considering hiring legal counsel. Here are some pros and cons to working with a workers’ comp attorney.
Advantages to Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney
There are several pros to having an experienced workers’ comp attorney on your side. Your attorney will fight to ensure you get your maximum benefits as quickly as possible by gathering and documenting all evidence and meticulously double-checking all paperwork to make sure nothing is missing. Your trusted attorney will keep you informed throughout the claims process and be available to answer any questions you may have. And while you focus on your recovery, your knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney can also negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf.
More often than not, claims handled by a workers’ comp attorney result in higher settlements than those filed without. Since they know the claims process and have established relationships with insurance company representatives, your workers’ comp attorney can get you the benefits you deserve.
Why There Are No Disadvantages to Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney
Your insurance company or workers’ comp board may try to dissuade you from working with an attorney. Employers may try to say it’s an aggressive or unnecessary step that will delay the claims process and that an attorney will only try to take your money. However, all of these claims are untrue.
In reality, hiring a workers’ comp attorney is standard practice in workman’s compensation cases. Most employers will have legal counsel of their own, so you’re entitled to yours as well. Your attorney will work on your case and handle most of the process, which won’t delay your claim at all.
Additionally, most workers’ comp attorneys operate on a contingency-fee basis; meaning they won’t receive any money until you receive a successful settlement. Furthermore, most lawyers only take a small percentage of your settlement, leaving you with a higher amount than you would’ve had without legal counsel.
Missouri Workers’ Comp Attorney You Can Trust
The lawyers at Lanzotti & Rau can help you pursue legal action to receive compensation for your work-related injury. If you want to learn more about our workers’ compensation legal services or how we handle our cases, call us today at 573-335-9300 to schedule a free consultation.