The Responsibilities Of A Workers' Compensation Lawyer
When you are injured at work, you might think that the process of receiving compensation for your injuries is very simple. After all, the workers' compensation program is designed to compensate you in the event that you're injured at work. However, there are several reasons why you may need to pursue your workers' compensation insurance benefits with the help of a lawyer.
Services Offered By a Workers' Compensation Attorney
You will need to prove that you are injured, your injuries prevent you from working, and your injuries were the result of your work responsibilities. Therefore, you will need help from a workers' compensation lawyer to gather evidence so you can do all of this.
Often, an important part of a case is a deposition. This is taken before a trial typically at an attorney's office. You may need a deposition from your employer, a physician, a medical expert, or anyone else relevant to your case.
You'll need a workers' compensation attorney to help you with the discovery aspect of your case. This involves disclosing the evidence and position of each side of the case to allow each party to determine which option is the best for them. For example, your attorney might ask a party to respond to written questions. Your attorney may also request documents.
Legal Knowledge
While you are busy with your life, a workers' compensation lawyer is spending much of their time performing legal research and keeping up-to-date on any changes in the law. While worker's compensation works similarly in most states, the laws also change from time to time and can vary from state to state.
Knowledge of changes in the law will allow your workers' compensation lawyer to more easily represent you if your case must go to trial. However, in many cases, this isn't even necessary because some workers' compensation insurance providers will immediately settle when you involve a lawyer. This is because they understand that they cannot use the tricks that they would otherwise use.
Communication
Your attorney will also be able to draft several legal documents such as motions, briefs, pleadings, findings of fact, and opinions. All of these legal documents can be used by your attorney to help you win your case.
Your attorney may also communicate with your work supervisor and your physician. This will allow everyone relevant to your workers' compensation case to be informed and remain on the same page.