When it comes to negotiating a workers’ compensation settlement, it can benefit you greatly to seek the advice of an attorney.
Some workers think that after becoming injured they can reach a settlement with the employers insurance company on their own. And in some cases this may be true. However, it is inadvisable in many situations. Insurers will very often take advantage of workers who have not retained the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney because they will be less knowledgeable regarding their own rights, what monetary settlement they can ask for, and the possible future impact of the accident on their lives. They are therefore more likely to settle for a significantly smaller amount than individuals who are working with an attorney to reach a fair settlement.
Negotiating is a crucial part of the process. Without the proper knowledge regarding Missouri workers’ compensation laws and the legal know-how, settling could be a big mistake. Injured workers may feel pressure to settle immediately so that they have the funds to make ends meet and provide for their families, but insurance companies know this and may take full advantage. Consider instead how the future of your family could be impacted if you do not reach a fair settlement that provides for your future needs.
Another reason why it may be necessary to work with an attorney is that once a final settlement with the insurance company is reached, you will usually not be able to go back and ask for more money for medical expenses or any other expenses relating to the workplace accident. So there is not a great amount of room for error. If you settle and then realize that the accident has caused greater physical harm or losses than you originally thought, you usually do not have any further options when it comes to workers’ compensation recovery. So taking into account all of the possible future expenses is very important.
A workers’ compensation attorney will use all of the tools at his or her disposal, including knowledge of the ever-changing workers’ compensation laws in Missouri, investigate the accident, and help to negotiate a settlement that is fair and is the most beneficial to you and your family.
Insurance companies have a team of people working on their behalf.
You should, too.
If you are entitled to further benefits like social security benefits or disability benefits, your workers’ compensation attorney can help you to pursue these as well. In some instances you may even be entitled to more medical care than what the insurance company initially agreed to. It is very important that you have your case evaluated by an experienced attorney who can look at the specific circumstances surrounding your accident, and who can take over in the process of negotiating a settlement. If there are additional parties at fault, your attorney may be able to pursue compensation from those parties as well.
Missouri Workers’ Compensation Attorney – James M. Hoffmann
If you have any questions about a workers’ compensation injury case or if you would just like to discuss your legal options, call the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann at (314) 361-4300 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.
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