If a worker gets injured while on the job, and the workers’ compensation insurance company does not contest coverage, there usually is a fairly specific timeline for the case. This timeline involves the opinions of treating physicians. It is very important to listen to the doctors, and heed their advice and recommendations, in order to keep a healthy and natural timeline for your workers’ compensation case.
A crucial stage in this timeline is when the injured worker reaches “maximum medical improvement,” or “MMI.” This is when the doctor(s) believe that the injured worker has hit a plateau in treatment and recovery. While it is advisable to seek legal representation prior to this point in time, some who have been injured at work choose to handle the intricacies of the case on his or her own. This can have mixed results.
But one thing is certain: There is likely no better time to involve an attorney in your workers’ compensation case than when it comes time to determine the amount of compensation – or money – the injured worker is entitled to. This will often be decided by the Final Admission of Liability that is sent to the injured worker by the insurance company.
The importance of this document cannot be overstated. Simply put, it is likely the most important document during a workers’ compensation case. The moment it is received by the injured worker, contacting an attorney is probably advisable. The information contained in this document is tricky, and often confusing. Missing something at this stage may impact the individual for years to come. Also, having an attorney assist you at this stage may actually increase the benefits you are entitled to. There are many reasons why it is dangerous to let this final admission of liability stand without contacting an attorney first.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Bachus & Schanker, LLC have many years of experience handling claims at this crucial stage. Please contact our offices for a free consultation. If we decide that we can assist you, the claim will be set up promptly, so that fair and meaningful recovery can become a real possibility. On-the-job injuries can cause unnecessary stress and financial risk, please allow us to turn your stress into real compensation.
