Were you recently injured on the job? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, in 2014, workers’ comp insurance covered over $30 billion in medical benefits, with another $31 billion in wage loss compensation. But how exactly does workers’ comp work? Should you let your company handle matters, or do you need to find a workers’ comp lawyer to help?

In this post, we’ll discuss why you may need a lawyer and how to find the best one for your case.

Can I Represent Myself?

One of the first questions you might ask after your injury is if you need a lawyer.

In general, you do not need a lawyer if:

• Your workplace injury was minor, such as a cut or a twisted ankle.
• You have no pre-existing conditions that contributed to the injury.
• Your employer agrees and admits your injury happened on the job.
• You missed little or no work because of your injury.

What if your case is more serious than the scenario outlined above? Read on.

Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

If there’s any complexity or confusion about your case, it’s best to consult with an experienced lawyer.

Here are a few common scenarios that a lawyer can help with:

• Your employer tries to deny your claim or doesn’t pay your benefits in time.
• Your settlement isn’t enough to cover your medical bills or lost wages.
• Ongoing medical issues prevent you from returning to work or working at your previous capacity.
• Your employer fired or demoted you or reduced your pay following the workers’ comp claim.
• You were injured by a third party or as the result of employer negligence.

If any of these apply to you, you’re sure to benefit from speaking with a lawyer.

He’ll help you gather the evidence you need to support your claim and can skillfully negotiate with the insurance company. He can also help to write a settlement agreement or represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

What to Expect During the Consult

When preparing for your consultation with a workers’ comp lawyer, write down a list of questions you want to ask.

These might include:

• Do you believe I have a strong case?
• What do I do if I need money right now?
• How can I get more money in future workers’ comp checks?
• What if my boss fired or demoted me?
• What if I’m unhappy with my doctor or treatment plan?
• How many cases similar to mine have you handled?

Whatever’s on your mind, write it down and bring it with you to the consultation. Your lawyer will be happy to discuss your concerns and answer any questions you have.

The Best Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Houston

If you’ve decided you need to schedule a consultation with a workers’ comp lawyer, we can help. Our firm will aggressively protect your rights and make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injury.

We invite you to contact us today at Barnes Law Firm to set up your free consultation.

You can also browse our blog for more helpful information about workers’ comp law and benefits.