Johnstown Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injuries in the workplace can occur in a variety of circumstances. If you sustained an injury from an accident that occurred while on the job, you may be eligible for monetary compensation under Colorado’s workers’ compensation laws.
An experienced Johnstown workers’ compensation lawyer could evaluate your case and help you pursue monetary compensation for your injuries. To ensure insurance companies do not offer you less than you deserve, you may want to consider consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney who could build your case and negotiate on your behalf. En Español.
Types of Injuries Sustained
Workers’ compensation benefits are available without regard to fault. This means it does not need to be proven that an employer did anything wrong in order for workers to be eligible for benefits.
In a factory or plant setting, accidental injuries may be common due to the presence of heavy machinery and toxic chemicals. However, injuries sustained in the office setting can be just as debilitating. These “indoor injuries” typically result from slip and falls or from doing daily repetitive tasks. An example of the latter is typing, which can result in carpal tunnel syndrome.
When is Someone Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Johnstown workers’ compensation claims are governed by the laws of the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. For an injured worker to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the worker must have sustained the injury while on the job and during the course of their employment.
Workers who are injured while driving to and from work are not usually considered to be “in the scope of their employment” at that time. Moreover, independent contractors (i.e. 1099) employees are not eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits. For more information about qualifying for workers’ compensation, contact a knowledgeable lawyer.
What Steps Should be Taken After Sustaining a Workplace Injury?
The first step to take after sustaining an on-the-job injury is to report the accident and injuries to a work supervisor or employer. The employer can then report the accident and injuries to their insurance company. The insurance company will then be in contact with various parties to verify the events because they are responsible for paying benefits.
The next step to take following a work-related accident is to seek medical treatment at a local hospital or urgent care center. To maximize potential financial recovery, it is important to keep all medical treatment records and bills. Additionally, records should show that treatment was continued until the time of discharge and that all medical treatment was consistent.
It is also important to document all missed time from work. Proper documentation is necessary if an employer or insurer later disputes lost wages. The final step is for injured workers to demonstrate how permanent their impairment is after immediate medical care. In some cases, because a worker is permanently disabled or has been away from work for an extended time, they may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation or training. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Johnstown could help an injured worker with the legal steps to take after an injury.
Contact a Johnstown Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
After beginning treatment for the injuries sustained in your accident, you may want to retain a Johnstown workers’ compensation lawyer who could initiate a claim and represent you throughout your case.
The insurance company may do everything in its power to poke holes in your case as an attempt to reduce the value of your claim. Insurance adjusters will also look for any evidence of prior injuries or preexisting medical conditions in your medical records. A knowledgeable local attorney could negotiate with the insurance company and help you to obtain the benefits you may be entitled to.
