
Top 5 Reasons You Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney for Your Claim
Workers in Virginia are frequently injured while on the job. Your work injury can catch you off guard and result in serious physical harm. Furthermore, your future may become uncertain, and you may not know when your life will return to normal.
The workers’ compensation system is meant to help people get their lives back on track after an injury on the job. However, the process can be complex. Injury victims often do not recover all of the compensation that they deserve after an accident. It?s important to contact a skilled workers comp lawyer as soon as possible after being hurt at work.
Contact Lugar Law if you or a close loved one have been injured while on the job. Our skilled attorneys can help you understand your options for recovery. We know how important it is to protect your rights during your time of need. To speak with one of our Virginia work injury attorneys, call our office today at (540) 384-0348.
1. Your Settlement Offer Is Far Too Low To Meet Your Needs
The workers’ compensation process in Virginia does not always guarantee that an injured worker will secure all of the funds that they need after an accident. Your medical bills can add up quickly, and you may need medical attention for years. A workplace accident also makes your future earning potential uncertain in the months and years ahead. It?s important that your damages are accurately calculated after an accident. Our attorneys have years of experience, and we know how to make sure that you get all of the financial help that you need. You can recover damages for the following:
- Medical bills – This includes every medical visit and operation needed due to your work injury.
- Lost wages – The state?s workers’ comp system is meant to help you earn an income even if you are hurt and can?t go into work for a long time.
- Associated expenses – This can include therapy needs, medication, and travel expenses related to your accident.
2. You Face Retaliation For Making A Workers’ Comp Claim
It?s illegal for Virginia employers to punish workers for filing a workers’ compensation claim after an accident. However, this is unfortunately something that happens all too often. Your rights must be protected, but the lawyers representing your employer may fail to stop abuse from your employer. Our legal team knows how to identify and fight retaliatory behavior after a workplace accident. Signs that you might be facing illegal retaliation after a workers’ comp claim include:
- The sudden loss of your job
- A significant and unexpected reduction in your hours
- Being demoted or punished for no reason
- Receiving any form of abuse from superiors
3. You May Need Long Term Disability
Some injuries result in physical harm that may never fully heal. It?s not enough to secure damages for current medical bills and a little time off work. Having an experienced Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer can help make sure that you recover compensation for your long term needs that follow your accident. Virginia?s workers’ compensation program defines long term workers’ disability as that which lasts longer than 125 days. It?s very common for serious injuries to take longer than this to heal. Many injured workers will need months or even years of full or partial disability.
4. You May Also Have A Third Party Claim
Workers’ compensation is for workplace injuries, but in many cases a third party may hold responsibility for the harm sustained in an accident. A third part in your case would be someone who is neither affiliated with you or your employer. For example, you may have been driving for work, and injured by a reckless driver on the road. You may be able to seek compensation from this person while also pursuing workers’ compensation damages.
A third party claim requires proving fault. This is unlike a workers’ comp claim where you simply need to show that you sustained harm while in the ordinary course of your work. A skilled Virginia injury lawyer can help you pursue workers’ comp while also filing a third party claim. Damages that you can recover in a third party action include:
- Compensation for destroyed personal property
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Damages for emotional distress
- Punitive damages
5. A Consultation With A Workers’ Comp Lawyer If Free Of Charge
Every workers’ injury case is unique. Your injuries will require immediate attention, but it?s difficult for anyone to know how long your recovery will take. The workers’ comp system is meant to help those hurt on the job. However, it?s complex, and all too often workers are left with compensation that does not meet their needs. It?s important to speak with an experienced Virginia workers’ comp lawyer as soon as possible. A free consultation can help you understand your rights, and what?s necessary to recover the damages you need. Do not delay in calling a lawyer after an injury.
A Lawyer From Lugar Law Can Help You
Work injuries are common, and they can be devastating to the victims and their families. Virginia?s workers’ compensation system is available for you if you have been hurt on the job. However, be sure to speak with a skilled lawyer to understand your rights as you recover. Our firm has represented many families throughout Virginia. We know how important it is to act quickly after a terrible accident.
Do not hesitate to call our Roanoke office today to speak with one of our workers’ compensation lawyers. Call us by phone at (540) 384-0348.