Englewood Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Any injury on the job can be completely overwhelming. You might be left unsure of how you will pay for medical treatment and your family’s needs, which becomes all the more stressful when you cannot work because of your injuries. Every state has an insurance program called workers’ compensation available for injured employees, but attaining these benefits can be tricky without the help of seasoned legal counsel.
You do not need to prove fault in an accident at work to receive workers’ benefits for your injuries, but there may be other challenges to your claim. If you have questions or concerns, a knowledgeable injury lawyer could guide you through the legal process. An Englewood workers’ compensation lawyer is ready to stand by your side and defend your rights.
What is Workers’ Compensation?
State laws require every business with at least one employee to carry workers’ compensation insurance covering full and part-time employees. There are some exceptions to this rule, including:
- Independent contractors whose duties fall outside the direction or control of a company
- Real estate agents and brokers who are paid a commission
- Domestic, maintenance, and repair workers who work part-time for private parties
- Drivers for contract carriers, such as package delivery or long-haul truck drivers
- Partners in business, sole proprietors, LLC members, and corporate officers who own at least 10 percent interest in a business may decline coverage
When an employee is injured on the job, their company’s workers’ compensation insurance could pay for medical care, lost wages, and the effects of temporary or permanent disability. If the worker does not survive the accident or their injuries, workers’ compensation could also provide death benefits to surviving loved ones. Who is at fault in the accident is irrelevant to whether an injured worker is eligible for compensation.
Workers have four days to notify their employers in writing that they have been injured on the job to seek workers’ compensation. Employers must then file claims with insurance carriers within 10 days. Questions about this process should be directed to a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney in Englewood.
Challenges to Workers’ Compensation Claims
When an employer fails to carry the required workers’ compensation insurance, the state may issue a cease-and-desist order to shut down the business until insurance is in place. Employers without workers’ compensation insurance can be fined as much as $500 daily. Injured workers with outstanding claims that settle before the employer is sanctioned may be entitled to a 50 percent increase in benefits.
Claims administrators may deny benefits if not enough information accompanies the claim or if the employer protests that the injury is not job-related. Injured employees can appeal this decision and appear at a court hearing before a special judge. A trial will be set if the parties cannot resolve their differences. A seasoned workers’ compensation attorney could help injured workers in Englewood recover their losses after an accident on the job.
Let an Englewood Workers’ Compensation Attorney Advocate For You
When you are injured at work, you have the right to workers’ compensation. Though this insurance exists to cover your medical bills and other expenses, it can be a complicated and detail-oriented process that leaves some claims denied. An experienced legal professional could ensure you take the appropriate steps to file a claim and negotiate with your employer and insurance companies if needed.
Let an experienced Englewood workers’ compensation lawyer take the lead in your case so you can focus on your recovery. Our team stands with you and is ready to fight for your right to compensation. Call us now to get started.