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Should You Contact a Lawyer for an Injury on the Job?

Every job-related injury is not cause for hiring an attorney but some are. The workers’ compensation system is set up to be fairly simple for workers to navigate in most situations. If you have a claim and your employer is not disputing it, then you can likely handle the case on your own. However, there are some situations in which it is wise to talk to a personal injury attorney.

Keep reading to get the facts about these types of cases and tips for when to hire an attorney. If you decide that it is time to contact an attorney, reach out to Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.

Situations in Which You Do Not Need an Attorney

If you have suffered a relatively minor injury at work, and it heals completely, then you likely do not need to talk to an attorney. If the injury was clearly work-related, you did not need extensive medical care, you were not off work for months at a time, and there were not permanent or catastrophic injuries, then you do not likely need an attorney.

Situations in Which You Do Need an Attorney

If there is a dispute with the insurance company then you should have an attorney on your side. If you do not have the relevant evidence to prove your case, then you may need an attorney to help you obtain it. Why? Because this can involve taking depositions, getting an independent medical examination, working with expert witnesses, and other steps you are likely not experienced with.

For example, you would likely contact an attorney if you were injured at work and any of the following occurred:

  • The insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim.
  • You are permanently disabled and that rating is disputed.
  • You have a preexisting condition.
  • You are having issues getting the needed treatment. For your injury.
  • You are not able to work again.
  • You are receiving other government benefits, such as SSDI.
  • You have a workers’ compensation hearing.

These are just some of the situations in which it often makes sense to consult with a personal injury attorney who can help you build a case.

Is it Worth the Cost of Hiring an Attorney?

When you hire an attorney for a personal injury case, they do not charge hourly in most cases. Instead, we charge a contingency fee. This means that we get a percentage of the settlement you receive. You have no upfront legal costs and do not owe us a penny if we do not win your case. In short, unless you are certain that you can win your case, it is likely worth at least consulting with an attorney.