You have high dreams about the success of your organization and are happy with an efficient team. However, what if one or more of your employees got hurt while working at your company?
If you wonder whether it’s the right time to hire a lawyer to settle your workers’ compensation-related issues, here are four signs indicating that you should go ahead.
4 Signs You Need to Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
What’s even better? If you are a small business owner, you hardly need a lawyer to settle such disputes because these claims won’t usually result in lawsuits in small-scale organizations. The good news: Small business owners rarely need to hire lawyers for workers’ comp claims because they rarely end in lawsuits.
However, in some instances, small businesses and medium to large enterprises can consider hiring an Appleton workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure a hassle-free resolution. Here are 4 signs you need to consult an experienced attorney.
An Employee Rejects the Settlement
At times, the employee may refuse their rights to the settlement benefits they are entitled to. After an employee gets injured at their job, if the individual accepts their rights to the settlement benefits, then their chances of suing your business are dissolved.
But on the contrary, if the person refuses to accept the benefits offered by the insurance policy, he/she may consider filing a lawsuit against the employer.
Besides, whenever an employee is making a workers’ comp claim, he/she is also reporting the matter to the appropriate labor authorities of the state. What’s more, most of the employees’ compensation policies include a liability insurance policy that covers all the associated legal costs, including an attorney’s fees.
Your Business Fails to Provide the Required Workers’ Comp Insurance Coverage
Being the employer, if you fail to provide the necessary workers’ comp coverage to your employees for the particular state you are doing business in, then there’s a high chance you would receive a legal notice from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
You may need advice from an experienced Appleton workers’ compensation lawyer in that scenario. You may also be liable to cover all the medical costs borne by the injured employee since you have failed to purchase the required workers’ comp insurance policy.
Also, you may have to stay prepared to face lawsuits or state penalties. An experienced attorney would be able to provide a suitable solution keeping in mind both the rights of the employee and the employer.
An Employee Makes an Appeal Against Your Insurer’s Decision
In such a case, your worker’s insurance provider may appoint a lawyer for you to help you settle the dispute.
An Employee Hires a Lawyer
An employee may hire an attorney due to numerous reasons, including –
- an unsettled claim,
- an incomplete coverage,
- troubles provided by either the insurance provider or the employer during the compensation process,
- the employer is unable to get back to work due to injuries or illnesses that occurred at work,
- the employee is having trouble getting approval for expensive medical treatments, such as a surgery that takes place after a work-related illness or injury,
- a lack of insurance coverage,
- fired after being injured at work
- they need the right guidance to file their claim appropriately,
- or simply because the employee failed to understand the insurance policy terms.
Final Words
Whatever might be the case, you need to hire a knowledgeable Appleton workers’ compensation lawyer who can guide you whenever an employee hires an attorney. With the help of your lawyer, make sure that the employee is filing the claim properly and knows how the entire claim process works.