Hurt at Work? Understanding Your Options

If you were injured on the job, you would expect your employer to pick up the tab when it comes to medical bills. But, what about lost wages? Is it fair for you to use your sick leave if your employer was responsible for your injury?

After an injury at work, you may feel as though you don’t have many options. But, you do. Employers and their insurance agents may pressure you into signing a settlement, but what they offer may not cover your injuries long-term. Therefore, it is important to understand your options before you assume you only have one.

Report the Injury

In order to open up your options, the first thing you must do is report the injury. But, you must report the injury in a timely manner. Your chances for a proper and fair settlement are much greater if the injury is reported immediately after it occurs. Report the incident to your supervisor or the company owner right away. Gather any witnesses to the injury as well to help prove your claim. Finally, seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel that the injuries are minor.

Filing for Workers’ Compensation

The most obvious step is to file for workers’ compensation. Under workers’ compensation benefits, you should receive coverage for:

• Medical bills
• Temporary disability
• Permanent disability
• Supplemental job displacement
• Dismemberment
• Death benefits

When Workers’ Compensation Isn’t Enough

Workers’ compensation benefits do cover a great deal, but often it does not help with long-term injuries, care or loss of wages. Most employees also find that they are constantly battling with workers’ compensation to receive payments or disbursements—even if they are entitled to them.

When workers’ compensation isn’t enough, you may need to file a civil suit against your employer to receive proper compensation, including compensation for pain and suffering.

Need Expert Legal Professional for Filing Workers Compensation

It is imperative that you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in West Palm Beach if you are thinking about filing a suit against your employer. Because your employer will have insurance agents and attorneys of their own, you need the expertise of an attorney to represent your case and protect your rights.

Contact the workers’ compensation lawyers in West Palm Beach at the Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. today for a free consultation at 561-687-5660.