If any of the following are true, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible:
– Your workplace injuries are severe enough to require surgery.
– Your workplace injuries are moderate to severe. If you and your doctor believe your health won’t return to the condition it was prior to your injury, you may be entitled to a “permanent partial disability” award.
– You believe you are no longer able to work on a regular basis in any job.
– You believe you cannot go back to work at your current job, but believe you could work in some capacity.
– You have significant pre-existing disabilities.
– You would like to dispute an adverse decision made by your employer, your employer’s insurance company, or the workers’ comp division regarding your workers’ compensation claim.
– You believe you are not receiving the correct benefits, or wonder if there are additional benefits you could receive.
– Your medical benefits are denied.
– You do not understand the workers’ comp process and would feel more comfortable if an expert were representing your interests.
Regardless of the circumstances of your workers’ compensation claim, you are entitled to obtain an attorney. If your injuries are severe enough that your life will be permanently altered, either because of permanent bodily impairment or a change in ability to work, a workers’ comp lawyer will be able to advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the medical care and workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to. In addition, if your injury may keep you from working permanently, a lawyer can advise you about filing for Social Security disability benefits as well.
A workers’ comp attorney can assist you in navigating the system so that you are most likely to receive retraining or monetary payment to assist you while you obtain alternate employment.
If any aspect of your claim is in dispute with your employer, or your employer’s insurance company, it is important for you to obtain an attorney. You will likely be at a disadvantage if you do not retain an attorney to represent your interests in these proceedings.
For a free consultation on your rights under the Missouri Workers’ Compensation system, contact Northland Injury Law at 816-400-4878. An experienced attorney will be ready to help you determine your rights and how we can make sure you get everything that you are owed.
