Have you suffered an injury while on the job? You are not alone. The latest numbers from the Texas Department of Insurance Workers’ Compensation Division show that 187,600 employer-reported workplace injuries occurred in 2019.
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, it’s your right to bring a personal injury claim or lawsuit against your employer. Unfortunately, employers and their insurance companies work hard to deny these claims, even when they’re legitimate.
Fortunately, there are several things a personal injury attorney can do to tilt the scales in your favor.
In this article, our Carrollton personal injury lawyers explain how an attorney can help you navigate the legal system, fight for your rights, and get the compensation you deserve.
Make Sure You're Getting Treated Fairly By Your Employer
If you suffer an injury at work, it’s not your fault that your employer has not fulfilled their duty to provide a safe and healthy working environment. However, some employers might not be thrilled with your decision to file a workers’ compensation or a personal injury claim.
They might hit back by lowering your salary, cutting your hours or firing you altogether. This treatment is not only unfair but unlawful. Under Texas law, it is illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation or personal injury claim.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s time to speak with an attorney. Our team of Carrollton personal injury lawyers will not only fight to get the compensation you deserve, but also rectify any harassment you suffered as a result of filing your claim.
Gather Evidence to Support Your Work Injury Claim
After meeting with you, the first thing your attorney will do is get as much evidence as possible about your work injury case. That means compiling all the relevant details related to your injuries and how your employer was at fault for the accident.
From tracking down witnesses to gathering workplace safety history to compiling medical records, collecting evidence for this type of case can be a monumental task.
When you meet with a team of work injury lawyers, they will do all the legwork of developing evidence by:
- Gathering medical bills and records.
- Obtaining medical opinions from your treating physicians and through an independent medical examination.
- Requesting a letter from your medical professional that establishes a connection between your injuries and your workplace accident.
- Interviewing medical experts.
- Obtaining testimony from a vocational expert about your job’s physical requirements.
- Gathering evidence showing your employer’s history of poor workplace safety or lack of training.
Experienced Carrollton personal injury lawyers will understand what evidence is needed to maximize the chances of a better settlement offer and a better outcome.
Negotiate Better Settlement Offers For You
Most people do not negotiate as part of their typical lives—especially with corporate lawyers and insurance representatives.
When it’s time to negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to reach a settlement, you’ll want an experienced personal injury in your corner. Attorneys understand insurance companies’ negotiating tricks and tactics, from claim denials to bogus low-ball offers.
An attorney also has the advantage of being able to estimate how much your case is worth.
After compiling all of the evidence, an attorney can calculate the financial benefits you should receive, based on several factors, including:
- The extent of your workplace injuries and resulting limitations in what you can do
- Your current medical expenses as well as any future medical expenses
- If your injuries will have lasting impairments and whether or not you’re entitled to compensation for your permanent disability
- Whether your employer owes you for past temporary disability and lost wages
Employers and their insurance carriers are thinking about the bottom line and are notorious for not offering worthy compensation for an injury sustained at the workplace. When you hire a team of skilled Carrollton personal injury lawyers who are armed with experience and have outlined the total cost of your injuries, you can have peace of mind when it comes time to sit down at the negotiation table.
Hold Any Other Parties Accountable For Your Injuries
In addition to your employer, there may be a third party responsible for your workplace accident. For instance, maybe a truck driver hit you while you were on the job. Or maybe your injuries were the result of a manufacturer who produced a faulty piece of equipment.
If you are injured while at work due to the negligence of a third party, you may have the right to bring a claim against that person or entity.
Our Carrollton personal injury lawyers can advise you on whether or not you should pursue a claim against any other third party who might be responsible for your accident.
Injured On the Job? Our Carrollton Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help.
An injury at work can be devastating in so many ways—from health concerns to potential lost income and the mental toll of all the anguish and uncertainty. Remember, if you’ve been injured on the job due to the negligence of your employer or a third party, it’s your right to seek the compensation and justice you deserve.
That’s where our experienced team of Carrollton personal injury lawyers can help. The attorneys at The Law Offices of Tim O’Hare will hold negligent employers responsible, protect your rights, and put you in the best position to receive the compensation you need to recover. Schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys today.
