Do I Need A Lawyer For Workers’ Compensation?
If you live in Colorado and have been injured on the job, you may need the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney. The main reason is that you want the legal help of someone who is thoroughly knowledgeable of the laws and knows your rights in a workers’ compensation case. A lawyer is your personal advocate to ensure you get fair treatment and the maximum amount you are owed.
What are some common causes of workplace accidents?
Over 30,000 workers’ compensation claims are filed every year in Colorado. Workplace accidents can happen anywhere at any time, taking you off guard. A few common causes we’ve seen are:
- Slips and falls
- Overexertion, strains, repetitive task injuries
- Heavy machinery accidents
These types of accidents can cause a serious back injury, or you may have suffered a lifting injury even when following safety guidelines on the job. You should always seek medical attention immediately after an accident and report it to your employer. Depending on the severity of your injury, you will need to attend to your health recovery first and foremost. You may worry about how to pay the bills in the meantime, but there is workers’ compensation insurance to pay you while you heal before returning to work.
Cases where you may not need a workers’ compensation lawyer
In a situation where you suffered only a minor injury and didn’t need ongoing care or time off from work, you might not need a workers’ compensation lawyer. Generally, company insurance will pay out for small injury cases without much trouble on your part. Yet, there have been cases where the workers’ comp insurance company doesn’t pay. Or worse, you find out your employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance. In that case, you want to talk with a lawyer about your situation. We’re Bachus & Schanker, and we have over two decades of experience representing people injured on the job.
Can I represent myself?
You can represent yourself in a workers’ compensation case. However, there is a lot you need to know and follow, such as the rules governing hearing procedures. The Colorado Office of Administrative Courts (OAC) offers a free guide to learn more about the complex details involved. Note that clerks in the OAC office cannot offer you legal advice. They can only provide you with the technical procedures. You can read more about “Pro Se” or self-representation for a workers’ compensation case.
When is it a good idea to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer?
If the injuries you got on the job were severe enough to prevent you from returning to work or you became permanently disabled as a result of your injuries, you need to talk with a workers’ compensation lawyer right away. We stand ready to help you receive the benefits you deserve.
Other reasons you need the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer could be:
- Your claim was denied by your employer
- The settlement offer doesn’t cover all lost wages or medical bills
- You are unable to return to work due to the injury, but your employer wants you to return sooner
- You receive Social Security benefits
- You experience retaliation in the workplace
- There is a potential third-party claim
All of these potential reasons can hold up your case from being properly administered, which is why it’s best to hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who knows how to navigate through the complexities of a case.
How an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you
At Bachus & Schanker, our experienced team understands the stress you are going through after a workplace injury. We know how this can disrupt your life. That’s why we are empathetic about delivering the best service, care, and advice you’ll need to recover your quality of life successfully.
It has been shown that injured workers who are represented by a workers’ compensation lawyer are likely to receive four times the settlements than those who choose to go it alone. It’s not difficult to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer who can handle all the details of your case and move the process forward while you adjust and recover from your injuries. Let Bachus & Schanker be your trusted partner to help you through the workers’ compensation claim.
If you have been hurt at work, give Bachus & Schanker a call
Being hurt at work and unable to continue your normal schedule and daily life is not something you should go at alone. On top of your injury, figuring out how much you are owed and what procedures to follow when filing a workers’ comp claim can be too much. We want you to focus on your healing while we do the heavy lifting of your case for you.
Our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Bachus & Schanker is here to guide you through the workers’ comp claim. We’ll see to it that your workplace injuries are handled properly and that we are able to reach the best settlement possible. We are always here to answer all of your questions. We’ll fight for your legal rights because you deserve fair compensation.
Sources:
Colorado Department of Labor and Employment; Injured Workers.
Colorado Office of Administrative Courts.
The Non-Lawyers’ Guide for Worker’s Compensation Proceedings!
