Lakewood Workers' Compensation Lawyer

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a staggering 2.8 million non-fatal injuries and illnesses were reported in the private industry in 2022. Unfortunately, Colorado is not immune to these alarming statistics. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has reported an average of one death every three to four days. In situations where an injury or illness occurs on the job, employees may be entitled to compensation through their employer's insurance, known as workers' compensation. 

However, navigating the complex process of filing a claim can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional toll of an injury. At Mintz Law Firm, we understand the challenges of workers' compensation cases, and our experienced Lakewood workers' compensation lawyers are dedicated to helping injured workers receive the compensation they deserve. 

What Is Workers' Compensation, and Who Needs It?

Workers' compensation is a safety net for people who get hurt or sick because of their job. It's there to make sure that if you're injured while working, you won't have to worry about paying for your medical bills or losing out on your paycheck while you recover. It doesn't matter who was at fault for the injury – if it happened at work, workers' compensation is supposed to help you out. 

This is really important for folks in all kinds of jobs, from office workers who might get carpal tunnel syndrome from typing all day to construction workers who are at risk for more physical injuries. Whether you’re full-time, part-time, or even a temporary worker, you could be covered under workers' compensation. 

What Types of Compensation Can I Recover From a Lakewood Workers' Compensation Claim?

Essentially, this compensation aims to help you through your recovery without the stress of financial strain. The types of benefits you might be entitled to if you’re injured on the job in Lakewood include:

• Medical expenses: Coverage for all the medical treatment related to your injury, including hospital visits, medications, and physical therapy. 
• Lost wages: A portion of your salary may be compensated if you're unable to work while recovering. 
• Temporary disability benefits: If you can’t work at all or can only work fewer hours while you’re recovering, these benefits help make up for some of your lost wages.
• Permanent disability benefits: Injuries may last a long time, or even forever. When that happens, you might get compensation based on the severity and permanence of your disability.
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits: If you can’t return to your old job because of your injury, you might get help training for a new job that fits your current abilities.
• Death benefits: In the worst-case scenario where a worker passes away due to a job-related injury, their dependents might be eligible for compensation to help with expenses and lost income.

Each case is unique, and the compensation you're eligible for will depend on the specifics of your situation. Working with a skilled workers' compensation lawyer can increase your chances of receiving every benefit you're entitled to.

How to Start Your Workers' Compensation Claim

Kicking off your workers' compensation claim starts with telling your employer about your injury as soon as it happens. There’s usually a time limit for reporting injuries, so don’t drag your feet. Once that’s done, you’ll likely need to see a doctor for your injury. Your employer might have a specific doctor you need to visit, so check with them.

After you’ve got your injury checked out, the next step is to fill out the necessary paperwork for your claim. This paperwork is your official claim for workers' compensation benefits, so you'll want to make sure all the information is accurate and complete. It's at this point you might consider calling a lawyer, especially if your case has any complexities, like if you're not sure what benefits you're eligible for or if you think your employer might not be cooperative.

How Can a Lawyer Help If Your Claim Is Denied?

When your workers' compensation claim gets denied, it might feel like you've hit a dead end. However, this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the road. A lawyer can play a pivotal role in overturning this decision and getting you the benefits you deserve by providing:

• Expertise in appeals: They know the ins and outs of filing an appeal and can navigate the complex process, ensuring your case is presented strongly. 
• Gathering additional evidence: Lawyers can help gather more evidence to support your claim, such as medical records and expert testimony, strengthening your case. 
• Representation at hearings: If your appeal leads to a hearing, having a lawyer stand up for you can make a big difference.
• Dealing with employer retaliation: Unfortunately, some workers face pushback from their employers after filing a claim. A lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure you're treated fairly. 
• Negotiating better settlements: If there's room to negotiate a settlement, a lawyer can work to get you a better deal that covers your needs. 

Navigating the aftermath of a denied workers' compensation claim can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. A lawyer can provide the support and expertise needed to challenge the denial and work towards securing the compensation you need for your recovery.

Injured at Work in Lakewood? Contact the Lawyers of Mintz Law Firm Today

If you've been injured on the job in Lakewood and find yourself in need of guidance, Mintz Law Firm is here to help. We understand how stressful this time can be and are committed to making the process as smooth as possible. Our team of dedicated legal professionals has the experience and compassion to guide you through the claims process. Whether you're just starting your claim or need help appealing a denial, we’re ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you may deserve.

Reach out to us at (303) 462-2999, or you can also fill out our contact form. Let Mintz Law Firm stand by your side and fight for the compensation you deserve. We're here to help make this challenging time a little easier for you.