Working with a workers’ compensation attorney can help speed up the resolution of your case. They also have the insight to assess your claim’s worth comprehensively, including medical expenses and lost wages.
Lawyers specializing in workers’ compensation also gather detailed medical records and cross-examine witnesses, challenging any attempts to downplay an injury. They also negotiate with insurance companies and prepare legal arguments.
Occupational disease claims
A successful claim for workers’ compensation requires a clear link between your illness and the performance of your job duties. Our lawyers are skilled at assembling the necessary evidence to demonstrate this link, including medical records and expert testimony. We help clients through every step of the process and position their cases for maximum financial recovery.
Unlike workplace injuries like broken bones and traumatic brain injury, occupational diseases are illnesses that develop over time. Conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses, carpal tunnel syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from work-related incidents and permanent hearing loss fall into this category.
Our attorneys help clients file workers’ comp claims for these ailments and fight to ensure they receive full coverage for their medical bills, lost wages and other losses. It is important to act quickly, as the window for filing a claim can close within two years of when the disease becomes reasonably discoverable. Contact us today for more information.
Lost wages
A car accident can result in not only physical trauma but also financial distress, especially if you’re unable to work while recovering. Fortunately, compensation for lost wages can help alleviate this stress. At Kocian Law Group, we handle lost wage claims from start to finish, including documenting the loss, sending a demand letter, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit if necessary.
Obtaining lost wages is typically easy for salaried employees who provide proof of their earnings, such as paycheck stubs and direct deposit receipts. In contrast, self-employed workers and those who earn their living through the gig economy may face difficulties in proving their income.
The at-fault insurance company typically hires a doctor to examine you and decide whether or not the injuries that keep you out of work are due to the car accident. This process is not independent and the doctor will usually give an opinion that benefits the insurance company.
Medical bills
Medical bills are unique in that they often come with a number of elements (codes, descriptions and prices) that can be very difficult to understand. In addition, there is the fact that the debtor is usually in a compromised health situation and the ability to pay the medical debt is generally low.
A lawyer can advise on the use of insurance to cover these expenses, help you understand how your policy works and coordinate with providers to ensure your bills are paid properly. They may also be able to negotiate with insurers to reduce their reimbursement demand. Get more information about workplace injury lawyers brisbane right now!
If you have legal representation, they will be able to build a stronger case for your compensation than you can on your own. This includes gathering and recording the right medical evidence to demonstrate the extent of your injury, so you get a fair settlement.
Settlements
As you recover from your injuries, medical bills and other financial obligations can quickly pile up. A settlement can help with these expenses and provide monetary compensation for your future.
Most workers’ compensation cases settle in one lump sum, but some workers may receive periodic payments instead (for example, every week, month, or year). Your lawyer can explain your options and help you determine the maximum value of your claim.
When your attorney cashes a settlement check, the money is safely held in an escrow account separate from their personal or business funds. Your lawyer then repays anyone with claims on the funds, such as your health insurance company or loan providers. They can also negotiate with your creditors to reduce or waive any liens on the settlement funds. A lawyer cannot just take the funds for themselves, however, because doing so could violate their ethical obligations and their law license. Your attorney can only withdraw funds from the escrow account with your approval.