Workplace injuries affect thousands of employees each year. When a workplace injury occurs, the employer must document the injury and file a workers’ compensation claim for the injured worker. Employees can also receive workers’ compensation if they get sick due to workplace exposure to toxins, chemicals, or other substances.
Workers’ compensation covers the cost of an ill or injured worker’s salary, as well as the medical expenses stemming from their illness or injury. Sometimes, workers’ compensation claims are denied, but this doesn’t mean the employee won’t receive compensation. Employees can seek legal advice, appeal denied claims, and receive their benefits.
Hire a workers’ compensation lawyer to handle your claim.
One of the challenges of navigating a denied workers’ compensation claim is that the laws can vary from state to state. Unless you have a legal background, you may find it challenging to identify your options.
Google, “workers compensation attorney in Illinois,” to generate a list of personal injury and workers’ compensation law firms in your area. Potential clients qualify for a free consultation, which means you can talk to an attorney and get a sense of how strong your case is before hiring a lawyer. You must find lawyers with experience handling workers’ compensation cases in your state because they’re familiar with the regulations that apply to workers’ compensation cases and case law that you could use to strengthen your claim.
Your lawyer can also help you deal with your insurance company or your employer’s insurance company. For example, if you were required to use your personal vehicle for company business, both insurance companies may be involved with resolving claims for property damage and medical bills.
Your attorney will also ensure you have all the relevant materials needed to support your claim. They’ll ensure you get the medical tests to verify your diagnosis. Your workers’ compensation lawyer can also help you identify benefits you may be eligible for. You can use these benefits to cover your medical expenses and personal bills while you’re off work. You may also qualify for financial assistance from non-profit organizations that help cancer patients if you got cancer from workplace exposure to toxins or chemicals. Your lawyer can help you prepare disability benefits and other financial aid applications while you wait for your workers’ compensation case to be resolved.
You may need to file a lawsuit.
Your employer might be liable if your injury or illness was caused by negligence. Your lawyer will be able to evaluate the merits of your potential case to determine if this is an option. For example, if your employer had a history of safety code violations and failed to comply with regulations, there may be grounds for a lawsuit. If you have a valid claim against your employer, your attorney will ensure you gather appropriate documentation and evidence to support your claim. They can also help you apply for disability benefits and other financial assistance to cover your medical bills and expenses until your legal claim is resolved.
Get medical treatment and pain relief.
You can’t wait until your claim is resolved before seeking medical treatment. It’s important to address all your medical needs. This strengthens your claim, and it also ensures you’ll receive compensation for all of the treatment you require.
Valid medical expenses include more than just tests and emergency care. You may need to see a physical therapist if you broke an arm or leg or suffered a spinal cord injury (SCI) at work. Your physical therapist can help you regain mobility and rebuild your strength after your injury. Your injury could also cause post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You may need to see a therapist to help you identify and manage your PTSD symptoms.
You may also need to use painkillers, such as Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Delta 8 THC). Delta-8-THC is a compound found in cannabis plants. Delta-8-THC can help soothe an overactive mind. Cannabis industry experts extract THC from hemp plants and use it to make an assortment of products, including tinctures, edibles, and cartridges. Delta-8-THC can be smoked or ingested to alleviate discomfort and help you manage your injury or illness symptoms.
You can appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim. To strengthen your case, it’s a good idea to hire an experienced attorney who can help you with your claim. Your attorney can also help you file a lawsuit against your employer, if necessary, and deal with insurance companies. You should also ensure you receive appropriate medical treatment to address your health needs while you’re waiting for your claim to be resolved.