The Information Your Lawyer Needs After Your Workplace Injury
More than 500 workers are injured every hour in this country. If you become one of them because you have been injured in a workplace setting, your best – and likely only – source of recovery will be a workers’ compensation claim. Fortunately, the Florida workers’ compensation system generally entitles workers who are injured on the job to a variety of benefits which means that obtaining compensation through this route can sometimes be more straightforward than pursuing compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. This is mainly because unlike in the context of a personal injury lawsuit, obtaining workers’ compensation benefits does not require a showing of fault. However, that doesn’t mean that getting the compensation you deserve is always easy. Between your employer and its insurer, obtaining benefits often turns into a battle. For this reason, many injured workers consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to learn about their legal options. And when preparing for a consultation, it is helpful to understand the information your lawyer will need.
Information About Your Employer and Position
One of the primary pieces of information your lawyer will initially ask for will include information related to your employment. In addition to sharing the contact information for your employer and details such as how long you have been employed, you should expect to share information about your normal duties and responsibilities. You should also take a moment to double check your official job title and rate of pay and bring your lawyer your last few paystubs if possible.
Information About Your Injury or Illness
Your lawyer will also need to know the details regarding how your work-related injury happened. If you were injured in an accident, your lawyer will need details such as when the incident occurred, the information of anyone who witnessed it, whether you were actually working when it happened, and what you think caused the accident. If you are instead dealing with repetitive injuries or an illness that you suspect happened over a period of time, your lawyer will need to know approximately when your symptoms began in general as well as when they began impacting your ability to work.
Information About Your Medical History
Your medical history is another essential aspect in the outcome of your claim and it is therefore imperative that you share with your attorney evidence of the timeline of how and when medical attention was received. That means that you should keep up with the hospitals and medical facilities you visit as well as any doctors and providers who have treated you for your injuries. Store all of your medical bills and the related correspondence in a safe place so they are easily accessible when your attorney requests them.
Depend on Us to Help You Obtain the Right Information
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, it is important to work with a trusted legal team that will take your case seriously and fight for your rights and needs. As the Miami workers’ compensation attorneys at Payer & Associates, we have the skills and experience that many injured workers have relied on over the years on the journey to obtaining well-deserved benefits. We are prepared to explain the nature of any benefits you may be entitled to and we can help you understand the steps you should take when attempting to successfully establish a claim. Contact us today for a free initial consultation so that we can begin helping you secure the benefits you deserve.
Resource:
nsc.org/work-safety/tools-resources/infographics/workplace-injuries
