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Filing a workers compensation claim can be confusing and intimidating, especially if you have limited experience or knowledge on the subject. Most people go into the process without hiring an attorney, only to find out later that it would have saved time and money. Jesse Sayre Shapiro, contributing columnist for Avvo.com, has some tips to keep in mind when trying to decide if you should hire an attorney in your workers compensation claim:
Denied claims. Your employer or insurance company is required to deny or accept your workers compensation claim within a certain number of days from the time you filed. If your claim is denied you have a right to request a hearing.
Investigation. The insurance company will be sure to thoroughly investigate your accident and injury before just forking over money. These investigations can be invasive and not entirely fair. The questions investigators may ask you are designed to give them grounds to deny your claim. If they are hiring investigators and attorneys to protect their bottom line, shouldn’t you be doing the same thing?
Medical treatment. You have every right to use all resources for your injury and subsequent treatment, including selecting doctors and physicians of your choice. If you feel your doctor is not thorough enough or correct in your diagnosis or treatment, an attorney can assist you in selecting a new doctor.
Have you or a loved one been injured on the job?
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus workers comp attorneys.