Worker's Compensation Attorneys

Getting a work injury is very common. They range from severe crushing and cutting injuries in dangerous occupations such as construction and refinery work, to strained backs and carpal tunnel syndrome incurred at a desk job. When you are injured on the job, it is important to consult with a workers' compensation attorney because it can make a big difference in the amount of money to which you are entitled.

At The Podor Law Firm, we have substantial experience in all types of on-the-job accidents and workers' compensation claims. We can help identify where other parties may be at fault in your case, and will represent you in your workers' compensation claim and any other claim you may have. Our workers' compensation lawyer will work aggressively on all fronts to get you the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Worker's Compensation

Worker's compensation is a state-mandated insurance system that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. It serves as a safety net, offering medical care, wage replacement, and rehabilitation services to injured workers, regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

However, the worker's compensation system can be complex and challenging to navigate. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, deny legitimate claims, or pressure injured workers to return to work before they're fully recovered. That's where our experienced attorneys can make a significant difference in your case.

Common Workplace Injuries We Handle

Our firm represents clients who have suffered a wide range of workplace injuries, including:

• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Neck injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Burn injuries
• Amputation injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Occupational diseases and illnesses
• Chemical exposure injuries
• Psychological conditions related to workplace stress or trauma

Worker's Compensation Benefits

Injured workers may be entitled to various benefits through the worker's compensation system, including:

• Medical Benefits: Coverage for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical devices.
• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Wage replacement benefits while you're unable to work during recovery, typically paying a percentage of your average weekly wage.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Benefits if you can work during recovery but earn less than before due to restrictions.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Compensation for permanent impairments that don't completely prevent you from working.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Long-term benefits if your injury prevents you from returning to any type of gainful employment.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Training, education, or job placement assistance if you cannot return to your previous position.
• Death Benefits: Compensation for dependent family members if a workplace injury or illness results in death.

The Worker's Compensation Process

The worker's compensation process typically involves several steps:

• Reporting your injury to your employer within the required timeframe
• Seeking appropriate medical treatment
• Filing a worker's compensation claim
• Potential disputes with insurance companies over benefits
• Hearings or mediation to resolve disputes
• Appeals if benefits are denied
• Settlement negotiations

Throughout this process, having an experienced worker's compensation attorney can significantly impact your ability to secure the full benefits you deserve. Our team will guide you through each step, ensuring deadlines are met, forms are properly completed, and your rights are protected.

Third-Party Claims in Workplace Injuries

While worker's compensation benefits are typically your exclusive remedy against your employer, you may have additional claims against third parties whose negligence contributed to your injury. For example:

• If defective equipment caused your injury, you might have a product liability claim against the manufacturer
• If you were injured on another company's property, you may have a premises liability claim
• If a contractor or subcontractor caused your injury, you might have a claim against them
• If you were injured in a car accident while performing work duties, you could have a claim against the at-fault driver

These third-party claims can provide compensation beyond what worker's compensation offers, including full wage loss and pain and suffering damages. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate workplace accidents to identify all potential sources of recovery.

Why You Need a Worker's Compensation Attorney

Many injured workers mistakenly believe the worker's compensation system will automatically provide fair benefits. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Insurance companies often employ various tactics to minimize payouts, including:

• Denying legitimate claims
• Disputing the cause or extent of injuries
• Delaying necessary medical treatment
• Pressuring injured workers to return to work prematurely
• Undervaluing permanent disability ratings
• Offering inadequate settlements

Our attorneys understand these tactics and know how to counteract them. We'll ensure your claim is properly documented, your injuries are appropriately evaluated, and you receive the full benefits you're entitled to under the law.