Worker's Compensation Attorneys

Getting injured at work is more common than one might think. And these types of injuries can range from a severe life threatening injury in dangerous workplaces like in a construction site, to a strained back at a desk cubicle. So it's very important to understand that every injury matters regardless of how serious you might think it is. Which is why it is very important to consult with an experienced attorney.

Here at The Podor Law Firm, we have decades of experience on all types of workplace injuries and workers compensation claims. And our team of attorneys will work aggressively on all fronts to get you the compensation that 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.

The worker compensation system can be very complex and challenging for someone without an attorney. With insurance companies trying to make less of your case, deny claims or pressure you to work before you recover, even other law firms can struggle with this level of complexity. That's why it is important to work with us, with our experience and expertise we can make a significant difference in your case.

Common Workplace Injuries We Handle

Our firm represents clients who have suffered a variety 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 workers make the common mistake to believe the worker's compensation system will automatically provide fair benefits. But, this isn't always the case. Its very common for insurance companies to 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 deceiving 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.