Any injury you receive or illness you get on the job or as a result of the job you do entitles you to workers’ compensation, which should be paid for by your employer. The Workers’ Compensation Board explains, though, that you lose all right to pursue a claim if it turns out that the accident and subsequent injuries you sustained were all due to your drug use or alcohol. Also, if you were trying to put someone in danger and landed in it yourself instead, then you won’t qualify for a claim either.
Different Scenarios
Every workers’ compensation case is unique. However, in each one, you’ll need the assistance of a workers compensation lawyer to navigate through the confusing and often frustrating legal system. Common scenarios include:
- The insurance company or employer is well in agreement with you that the injuries you sustained are related to your job, giving you workers compensation benefits.
- The insurance company or your employer contests your claim. When this happens, no monetary compensation is provided to you unless a judge decides which one of you is right. This is where hiring the services of a workers compensation lawyer in Cedar Rapids IA comes in handy. With a legal pro on your side who knows how to negotiate in court, you get a better chance of winning your case as soon as possible.
- The employee isn’t getting any cash benefits. If your employer believes that the injury isn’t related at all to your work, then you might not qualify for monetary damages. However, you can get disability benefits. Make sure you check out the program. Ask your worker’s compensation attorney about it. Just keep in mind that if you win your case, any costs incurred under the Disability Program shall be deducted from the total amount of workers’ compensation you get.
- The employee is unable to earn the same salary because of the injuries sustained in the accident. If you come back to work and your injuries or medical condition now prevent you from rendering the same service and thus earning the same wages and pay grade, you might want to ask your personal injury lawyer in this case to look into it for you or discuss the matter with you, in-depth.
In Conclusion
Know your rights as a worker—what you’re entitled to, and what you should get. And get a lawyer to help you sort out and fight your legal battles for you.
