Frequently Asked Questions

Give notice to your employer of the work-related injury as soon as possible, preferably in writing or with a witness present. Ask your employer to provide you with medical treatment, and fill out an accident report if requested by your employer.

Generally, fault does not matter in a workers' compensation claim. If your employer denies you benefits because the injury was your fault, contact our office immediately.

Your employer cannot legally end your employment for filing a workers' compensation claim. If you are terminated because you suffered a work-related injury, consult our office immediately.

If you still have pain, you should ask your employer for additional treatment. If you are refused additional treatment, the workers' compensation judge overseeing your case may give you additional treatment with a different doctor.

You are entitled to receive lifetime medical treatment if you can prove that your work-related injury resulted in the need for medical treatment. You are entitled to be compensated for your permanent injuries, even if your treating doctor says there is nothing wrong with you.

A: You should see the doctor designated by your employer. Make sure to tell the doctor that your injury occurred at work. Tell your employer that you need medical treatment. If the employer does not designate a doctor, see your own doctor and tell him that the injury occurred at work. Consult with our office as soon as possible. It is best not to incur high medical expenses before consulting with a lawyer.

If the employer offered a settlement, you will lose your right to future medical benefits. Usually, the settlement offer is too low. Consult with our office before agreeing to settle your case.

While your employer cannot fire you specifically for filing a workers' compensation claim, your employer is not required to take you back to work after the injury. You should file for unemployment benefits and start looking for work. You are entitled to future medical benefits and compensation for your injury, and you may also be entitled to additional compensation as a result of losing your job.

Many times, independent contractors are actually employees and not independent contractors at all. If this is the case, you may be covered.

No, in fact studies by the Dept. of Labor show that claimants that hire an attorney end up with almost twice as much as those who do not hire counsel.