How an Attorney Can Assist an Injured Worker
You probably have given many years of hard work and loyalty to your employer. Yet when you suffer an injury on the job and seek workers compensation, your employer may not show you the same loyalty. Instead, some employers and their insurers try to avoid paying you the workers comp benefits you deserve. To ensure that you get the benefits you need and deserve, seek the advice of an experienced attorney to help you with your workers compensation claim. Here are some of the ways a lawyer can assist you:
Denial of claim
Once you file a workers compensation claim, your employer may contest the basis of your injury, contending either that you were not injured or that your injury was not job-related. An experienced attorney knows how to investigate the accident or injury and establish the connection to your work. In addition, it is important to report an injury within the legal time frame. Attorneys know that the New Jersey workers compensation laws give you only two years to report the injury or you may lose your right to benefits.
Problem with treating physician
New Jersey law requires that you get treatment from an employer-approved doctor. In some cases, these doctors may clear you to return to work before you have fully healed from your injury. Your attorney can help you find an alternative health provider who has your best interests in mind.
Delay or denial of certain benefits
If your benefits are delayed, your attorney can investigate the cause and accelerate the process. You should not accept a denial of any benefits without consulting with an experienced attorney. Your attorney may discover that the denial was unjustified, and can initiate an appeal on your behalf.
Retaliation
The law prohibits employers from firing or demoting an employee for filing a workers compensation claim. An attorney can uncover the true reasons for your dismissal or demotion and file a lawsuit against your employer, if necessary.
Third-party claim
If a defective product or someone other than your employer caused your workplace injury, a workers compensation attorney can help you recover damages in addition to your workers comp benefits.
Contact a New Jersey workers compensation attorney to file your claim or to appeal a denial so you receive all the benefits you deserve.