Washington has a state-run workers’ compensation insurance program. An employer agrees to pay all of their premiums and provide a safe working environment, and in turn, an employee will not sue. Although this sounds like a great agreement, many employers don’t or won’t hold up their end of the arrangement, or the workers’ compensation program denies the worker with a legitimate claim. When either of these types of things happens, an experienced disability attorney in Lacey, WA should immediately be contacted.
Why Contact an Attorney If an Individual Didn’t Do Anything Wrong?
Even when an employee does everything they’re supposed to do, their claim could be denied. If an employer didn’t provide a safe working environment, the situation should be thoroughly investigated by an attorney. A disability attorney in Lacey, WA will provide an injured worker a free case review and offer them with various options they might have. It’s important for an injured worker to understand their legal rights so their financial future is protected in case they’re unable to return to work.
What Type of Benefits Can an Injured Worker Receive?
An injured worker can receive approximately 60% of their income during their recovery period, payment of medical bills, and death benefits that include burial expenses. If an individual is permanently disabled, they may be entitled to receive their pension benefits, and a temporary disability will provide worker benefits until they can return to work. If the condition of the injured worker’s health changes, they could be switched from a temporary disability to a permanent one.
What Can Go Wrong with a Claim?
An injured worker’s papers could be lost in the compensation office. A claim manager, doctor, administrators and others involved in the claim for the insurance company will do everything possible to deny a claim. Protesting a claim against a large insurance company without the help of an experienced attorney can leave an individual without any source of income and mounting medical bills.
If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t try to take matters into your own hands and represent yourself. Contact an experienced attorney to get a free consultation.
