Get Legal Help From A Workers’ Comp Attorney Near Me
If you or a loved one have applied for workers’ compensation or are considering applying, having an attorney by your side significantly helps your chances of receiving benefits. Not only is a workers’ comp attorney near me knowledgeable about the field, but they can help you complete paperwork, prepare for a hearing, and in some cases, guide you through the federal appeals process.
What To Expect From The Workers’ Compensation Process
The workers’ compensation process starts with filing a claim. If you are hurt while injured and you inform your employer right away, your employer should give you forms to fill out to file for workers’ compensation. A workers’ comp attorney near me can also help with this initial process, especially if your employer won’t.
Once your claim has been filed, your workplace’s insurance company will evaluate the claim. At this stage, it is helpful to seek legal advice from a workers’ comp attorney near me. If the insurance company doesn’t dispute the claim within 90 days, then generally the claim has been approved. However, if the claim is denied you will have to file an appeal.
At the appeals process, it is important to seek legal counsel. Workers’ compensation rules are different in every state, so having an attorney who understands the laws and guidelines in your state is imperative. You will need to prove that your injury was caused at the workplace, and that it inhibits you from performing any significant work. Some states have rules that if you were intoxicated on the job, your claim will be denied.
It’s also important to note that, at some firms, a workers’ comp attorney near me will work with you on a contingency basis. What this means is that the attorney will not get paid unless you receive your benefits. If you are worried about the financial implications of hiring an attorney, ask a prospective lawyer if they work on a contingency basis.
How The COVID-19 Pandemic Impacts Workers’ Compensation
For many workers, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted their ability to work. Unfortunately, the rules and regulations surrounding workers’ compensation and COVID-19 are complicated.
Generally, workers’ comp does not cover community illnesses like the cold or flu, because these illnesses cannot be tied specifically to the workplace. Some states make exceptions for chronic illness that are caused by repeated exposure to chemicals in a workplace, such as radiation from a factory causing cancer.
The pandemic has made certain low-risk jobs very high risk. For example, grocery store employees, waiters, and bus drivers now risk their lives every day due to how often they interact with other individuals. Unfortunately, most states have not written specific laws helping workers who have suffered from COVID-19 and cannot work. The best thing you can do is contact your workers’ compensation office, or find a trusted workers’ comp attorney near me.
A workers’ comp attorney near me can help you navigate the next steps and serves as a source of support throughout the process of applying for benefits.
About The Marshall Grinder Debski Pitts Law Firm
For more than 40 years, the Marshall Grinder Debski Pitts Law Firm has served Northeast Ohio with compassion and professionalism. Their firm focuses on cases involving workers’ compensation, social security disability, veteran’s benefits, and evaluation of all legal matters.
If you’re looking for a workers’ comp attorney near me in Northeast Ohio, the choice is clear. This team of attorneys is committed to serving working people and their families, and using their expertise to help you get the benefits you’re owed. To learn more or to set up a consultation for your case, visit https://mgdplaw.com/ today.