Have you been injured at your workplace and want to pursue receiving workers’ compensation?

Many states in the U.S. require all employers to have workers’ compensation, provided they employ at least one person. Yet, Texas does not mandate this, and not everyone who gets injured is eligible for workers’ compensation. They have to meet a number of requirements and then follow steps to get the payment they deserve.

So how do you get workers compensation settlements? We’ll go into everything you need to know below. Keep reading to learn more and take advantage of your workplace’s compensation options!

The Requirements for Receiving Workers Compensation Settlements

So, do you know whether or not you qualify for workers compensation settlements?

Before you go through the process of getting workers compensation–which can sometimes be lengthy–you should determine whether or not you think you can get it.

First, your employer needs to offer workers compensation. As we mentioned above, many state laws require employers to provide workers compensation. Texas, unfortunately, is the only exception. So, before you pursue getting your compensation, you should ask whether or not your employer has workers compensation insurance.

Next, you must have suffered a work-related injury. This includes any physical harm you incurred during your job, ranging from carpal tunnel to illness due to exposure to dangerous substances or bacteria.

Finally, you must meet the reporting and filing deadlines set out by your state. Since these vary from state to state, you should make sure you know the requirements for your area.

If you want to know more about the specifics of your workers compensation insurance requirements, contact the company that covers them.

Workers Compensation and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

In Texas, workers compensation laws set out what’s called Maximum Medical Improvement. Put simply, MMI is the measurement of when an employee will reach their maximum capacity to recover.

Either an employee will recover to their fullest extent or 104 weeks will have passed from the day worker was eligible for benefits. At that time, the benefits will cease.

The Process of Getting a Workers Compensation Claim Settled

When you want to pursue workers compensation, what should you do?

First, you need to talk to your employer and let them know what happened. The employer should then document the incident and report it to the insurance company, filing a claim. The insurance company will then either approve or deny the claim, giving you some money.

If you pursue medical treatment at this time, you should save any bills or other proof of treatment as evidence for your claim. The more the cost of your medical needs, the more you may be eligible for in terms of compensation.

Hire a Lawyer

When you are pursuing payment for your injuries, you should consider speaking to a lawyer.

In truth, many people who pursue workers compensation do not get the full amount of money they need. This happens because insurance companies prefer to pay as little money as possible, so they often only offer claimants the minimal amount.

They also seek out minimal liability and may try to avoid giving you a settlement altogether.

If you suspect the offered settlement isn’t enough–or if you want someone to help you safeguard your rights–talk to a legal representative. Should you want to increase the price of your settlement, you could pursue a lawsuit against the employer’s insurance company.

Tips for Hiring an Attorney

When you go through the process of hiring a workers compensation lawyer, what should you do?

First, start out by either running “workers compensation attorney near me” through a search engine or looking at our services. Most attorneys offer free consultations, so you should schedule one to go over your case. These meetings are obligation-free, designed to let your potential attorney evaluate your case and allow you to determine whether or not you want to work with them.

In particular, you should assess the lawyer’s listening skills and overall demeanor. Do you like this person? Do have the right credentials and experience to win your case? Do you trust them?

You should also talk about the contract you’ll sign, payment plans, and any other vital details should you choose to work with this attorney.

Next, talk to the office staff to get a feeling for the firm’s culture. If you’re going to work with these people for a while, you should have an idea of who they are and whether or not you like them.

Finally, look at their success rate. Have they won millions of dollars for their clients? Do they win a majority of their cases? If so, it’s likely they will be able to win yours. You should also look at their reviews. If their past clients enjoyed working with them, the reviews will reflect this. If not, you might want to hire another lawyer.

You may also ask for references from friends or acquaintances if you’re struggling to find the perfect fit for you.

What Are the Benefits of Getting Workers Compensation?

There are several benefits to getting workers compensation. When you receive the proper amount for a settlement, you have the ability to cover any outstanding medical bills.

You also get the money you need to take care of any income loss that occurred as a result of needing time off from work or having to alter your work due to a disability.

If you are seeking compensation for the death of a loved one while they were on the job, you will get money to help you navigate any losses in income and cover burial costs. This helps your family financially recover during this difficult time.

Do You Want to Get Workers Compensation?

So, are you ready to start working on your workers compensation settlements?

Workers compensation often helps people who have been injured on the job. It gives you the ability to cover your medical bills, replace income, or even bury a loved one. Yet, not every workers compensation insurance company offers you the maximum amount, and you should hire an attorney to make sure you receive the most pay.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for more information!