With a staggering 3.6 injuries per 100 employees in Los Angeles, according to the Department of Industrial Relations, workplace injuries are more common than most realize. Whether it’s a slip on a wet floor, repetitive strain from daily tasks, or a serious accident on the job, workers often find themselves at a loss; caught between mounting medical bills and reduced wages.
If you’ve suffered an injury at work, you might be asking yourself: How do I protect my rights and ensure I get the compensation I deserve? This is where understanding the key signs for hiring a workers’ comp attorney in Los Angeles becomes crucial. Without the right legal support, you risk navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation alone, potentially leaving money and treatment on the table.
This article will reveal when you absolutely need a workers’ comp lawyer to fight for you, so you’re not taken advantage of in an already tough situation.
Your Claim Has Been Denied
One of the most frustrating experiences after a workplace injury is having your workers’ compensation claim denied. This is a reality many employees face in Los Angeles, where valid claims can be turned down for various reasons, including:
- Missing paperwork
- Insufficient medical evidence
- Disputes over whether the injury was work-related
Denials can leave injured workers with growing medical bills and no financial relief.
When a claim gets denied, a workers compensation lawyer steps in to challenge the decision. These attorneys are well-versed in gathering medical records, interviewing witnesses, and building a strong case to appeal the denial. By hiring an experienced lawyer, you increase your chances of overturning a rejected claim and getting the compensation you deserve.
A lawyer also ensures you meet all deadlines, which is crucial because missing appeal windows can cause you to lose your rights entirely.
Your Employer Retaliates Against You
Some workers face retaliation from their employers after filing a workers’ compensation claim. This can include:
- Demotions
- Pay cuts
- Termination
Retaliation is not only unethical but illegal under California law, and it can make an already difficult situation much worse. Unfortunately, fear of employer retaliation often prevents workers from pursuing their claims.
If you suspect that your employer has retaliated against you, it’s critical to hire a workers’ comp lawyer. A lawyer can help you file a separate claim for retaliation and hold your employer accountable for their unlawful actions.
They can also advise you on the best course of action to protect your job and ensure that you’re not further penalized for standing up for your rights.
You’ve Suffered a Permanent Disability
A severe injury that leaves you permanently disabled changes your life in every way. You might not be able to return to your previous job or work at all.
If you’ve suffered an injury at a workplace in LA that leads to a permanent disability, a lawyer can help you calculate the full scope of your compensation needs.
Workers’ compensation often provides disability benefits, but insurance companies may try to minimize the extent of your injury. A lawyer will work to prove the severity of your condition and fight for the maximum amount of compensation, including ongoing medical care and disability payments that will sustain you long-term.
You’re Having Trouble Getting Medical Treatment
In some cases, employers or their insurance companies may delay or deny necessary medical treatments after you file a workers’ comp claim. This can be extremely frustrating, especially when you need immediate care to recover from your injuries.
Without proper medical attention, your health could deteriorate further, complicating your recovery and ability to return to work.
When you’re facing delays in getting medical treatment, it’s time to seek legal support for workers comp. A lawyer can push back against the insurance company or your employer to ensure that your medical needs are met.
They can also connect you with medical professionals who understand the legal side of workers’ compensation, which helps to strengthen your case.
Your Benefits Don’t Cover All Your Costs
Workers’ compensation is supposed to cover medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes rehabilitation costs. However, many workers find that their benefits fall short, especially when their injury requires long-term care or rehabilitation.
For example, if you need extended physical therapy or surgery, your workers’ comp benefits might not fully cover these expenses, leaving you to shoulder the financial burden.
This is where legal advice becomes critical. A lawyer in Los Angeles can evaluate your case and identify where your benefits are lacking. They can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure you get compensation that aligns with the true costs of your recovery.
Without proper legal representation, you risk accepting less than what you’re entitled to, which could leave you struggling financially in the long run.
The Settlement Offer Seems Too Low
If your employer or the insurance company offers a settlement, it can be tempting to accept it and move on. However, many workers’ comp settlements are far lower than what the injured worker actually deserves.
Employers and insurance companies often want to close cases quickly and save money, leading them to offer lowball settlements that don’t take into account future medical needs or lost income.
If you feel like the settlement offer is inadequate, this is a strong sign that you should contact a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can assess the offer and determine if it covers the full scope of your injury and future needs. If it doesn’t, they will negotiate on your behalf to secure a fair and just settlement.
Protect Your Rights with the Right Workers’ Comp Attorney in Los Angeles
If you’re seeing any of the signs we’ve covered, it’s crucial to get legal support. A Los Angeles workers’ comp attorney can fight to protect your rights and ensure you get fair compensation and medical care.
At Solimon Rodgers, our experienced team of attorneys focuses solely on workers’ compensation law in Southern California. With decades of combined experience, we fight to get you the medical treatment and compensation you’re entitled to without any upfront costs. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights and getting the support you deserve. Call (844) 774-3577 for a free case evaluation or visit www.KingsofWC.com to learn more.
