Getting compensation after a work injury seems straight-forward: just fill out the paperwork and receive workers’ comp.
Unfortunately, it’s never that easy. There are multiple forms, deadlines, appointments and court appearances. Not to mention the constant battle of keeping your guard up from your employer and the insurance adjusters who try to downplay your injury to save money.
Luckily, there is someone who can help alleviate all this stress: an attorney. Here are four major things an experienced work injury lawyer can help you with after a construction accident:
1. Navigate between workers’ comp, disability, a work injury claim and more
You know that there are a lot of different benefits and options for injured workers, but it is important to understand what options are available for your situation and how different benefits can impact each other.
For example, filing for workers’ comp doesn’t mean you have filed an injury claim. If you file an injury claim, it doesn’t mean that you are suing your employer or that your workers’ comp payments will stop.
On top of those options, you may also be eligible for Social Security disability benefits or unemployment. These benefits require additional forms, doctors’ appointments and more. If you don’t do things right, you could miss out on money that you need or be forced to repay money that was wrongfully given to you.
These complicated systems weren’t built for the average worker. A lawyer can make sense of it all and advise you on the path that you should pursue.
2. Fill out confusing paperwork
After your work accident, it can feel like the paperwork will never end.
You could be facing many pages of confusing forms with complex legal terms and questions you don’t know how to answer. Not to mention, the insurance company could pressure you to sign something that would disqualify you from getting additional compensation in the future.
A wrong answer or signature could cost you millions. An attorney will help you weed through these documents, fill them out for you, tell you what to sign, and, more importantly, what not to sign.
3. Meet important deadlines
Missing a deadline after a construction accident can have a big impact on when you get compensation – or if you get compensation at all.
In the days and weeks after your accident, you have a limited timeframe to report your injury, file for workers’ comp and set up the foundation for your case. In the long term – there are doctor’s appointments you have to have every 45 days and possibly even court appearances.
Employers and the insurance company are less than eager to help injured workers keep track of these deadlines. Luckily, an experienced injury attorney is – it’s their job.
New York construction lawyers know all the city and state deadlines for both workers’ comp and work injury claims. They’ll make sure you do everything in time to be covered for your current medical expenses and prepared for your upcoming case.
4. Negotiate for a fair settlement and approved claim
You did everything right to the best of your knowledge. You reported your work accident, filled out the forms, and met the deadlines, only to find that your workers' comp claim was denied or that the insurance company is offering you a lowball settlement for your serious injury. Now what?
This is where a construction accident lawyer can really help. They’ll file an appeal and make sure everything is in place to get you the workers’ compensation you‘re entitled to. They’ll negotiate with the insurance company to get you a settlement that represents the severity of your injury.
Insurance companies can lowball the average person, but they know they can’t play games with an attorney.
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
These four things are just the beginning. A lawyer can also help you find the right medical care, tell you what information you shouldn’t give the insurance company, and do an independent investigation when other parties try to downplay your injury. The best part of all this? There is no up-front cost. Legal fees are only collected if they win your case.
Want to learn more about how an attorney can help your specific construction injury case? Call one of the expert attorneys at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano. We have been fighting for injured workers here in New York for 80 years and have recovered over $1 billion for our clients.
The consultation is free. Contact us today and learn about the difference we can make in your construction accident case.