Our Work Injury Lawyers Are Ready To Fight For Your Benefits
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, there is a trial process that can be followed. This often involves making your case at hearings in front of a workers’ compensation judge. This may be a new experience for you, and you may not be sure how to get ready. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Shebell & Shebell, LLC can help you prepare.
At a workers’ compensation hearing, evidence is presented, and witnesses are heard from. It’s a process to learn the facts about what happened and how it impacted you. Insurance companies will be trying to minimize your claim, however, so it’s important for you to be able to explain your accident and injuries and how you were affected.
Here are some things you can do to prepare for a hearing:
Keep a notebook.
This is a very effective way of keeping track of how your injury is affecting you on a daily basis. Use it to write down activities you are no longer able to do and to note any pain you are suffering. Note any limitations or fatigue you are experiencing. Be sure to show it to your lawyer before your hearing date.
Identify current symptoms and limitations.
The workers’ compensation judge will want to know how your injury has affected you but the insurance company will be ready to dispute your account. Just be honest and don’t exaggerate. For example, you may be able to walk but doing so is painful. It’s not accurate to say that you can’t walk. It’s more accurate to say you can walk for short periods but that it causes you pain.
Review accident reports.
When you were hurt, your accident likely happened so fast that you weren’t even aware of the details. Read the reports about what happened to you so that you can explain the facts about your accident clearly. The insurance company lawyers will be looking for any inconsistencies in your testimony.
Review your medical treatment.
It’s important to have a clear understanding of what your injuries are, and what treatment the doctor has recommended. Be prepared to answer questions about your injuries and how they have affected you. It helps to be able to summarize your injuries and know the timeline of different treatments you received.
Identify witnesses.
Think about witnesses who can testify at a hearing about your injuries and how your life has been affected by them. This may include family members, friends or co-workers. Let your attorney know well in advance of your hearing date.
An injury from a workplace accident can have a significant impact on you and your family. You may need surgery, hospitalization, medication, physical therapy and multiple follow-up visits. Your medical expenses can add up quickly but there is less money coming in while you are unable to return to work.
Our attorneys are dedicated to helping injured workers get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. We know the tactics that insurance companies use to try to minimize claims, and we know how to help you fight back. Our lawyers build strong cases and present convincing arguments to judges at workers’ compensation hearings.
If you were injured on the job, learn more about how we can help you with your claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Our office is located in Shrewsbury.