When Should I Hire A Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

If you were diagnosed with a work-related illness or sustained an on-the-job injury, the process of obtaining workers’ compensation benefits may not seem complicated.

However, seeking compensation for a work-related injury or illness is not always as easy as it may seem, which is why you should consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney.

While you have a right to represent yourself, hiring a skilled attorney can improve your chances of getting your workers’ compensation claim approved.

Below, we will discuss why and when you should hire a Tampa workers’ compensation attorney if you have been hurt at work or suffered an occupational disease.

7 Situations When You Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

It is true that you can handle your claim on your own. However, if you find yourself in one of the following situations, it is advisable to contact a workers’ compensation attorney right away:

1. The insurance company denies your claim. There are several reasons insurance companies deny workers’ compensation claims in Florida. A knowledgeable attorney will determine if the insurer had valid grounds to deny your claim to challenge the denial.
2. The insurance company wants you to give a recorded statement. It is always best to refuse to provide a recorded statement to the insurance company before consulting with an experienced lawyer. Without an attorney, you may end up saying something that will lead to the denial of your claim.
3. Your employer is threatening to fire you if you pursue a claim. Any kind of retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim is illegal in Florida. If you are dealing with an employer who threatens to take an adverse employment action for seeking workers’ comp benefits, contact an attorney as soon as possible.
4. Your employer or the insurance company disputes the severity of your injury. It is not uncommon for employers and/or insurance companies to dispute the severity of an employee’s injury in an attempt to pay them as little as possible to deny their claim altogether.
5. The insurance company delays or denies approval of medical care. It is not uncommon for workers’ compensation insurance providers to delay or deny approval of the medical treatment. Any delays in receiving medical care could negatively impact your recovery. Your attorney will ensure that there are no delays in getting your medical procedures approved.
6. You suffered a serious injury or disability. While you may be able to handle your workers’ comp claim without a lawyer when you suffer a minor injury, it is imperative to hire a knowledgeable attorney if your workplace injury is severe or led to temporary/permanent disability.
7. The time limit to file a claim is running out. Under Florida law, you have two years from the date of the workplace accident to file a workers’ compensation claim. If the time limit is running out, do not hesitate to contact an attorney to expedite the claims process.

Consult with a Tampa Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Being represented by an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can improve your odds of getting full compensation for your work-related injury or illness.

Contact our Tampa workers’ compensation attorney at Kobal Law to protect your rights and fight for a fair outcome in your case. Give us a call at 813-873-2440 today.