Recovery time and hospital expenses can impact a workers’ ability to make a living. If you have been injured at work, filing for workers’ compensation will help stabilize your financial situation. Even if the process for filing seems straightforward enough, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer about your situation to be sure that you are recovering the most suitable amount.
The skilled Washington, D.C., workers’ compensation attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO help injured workers when they need to recover workers’ compensation benefits. We understand the stress that comes with making ends meet after an injury. The culmination of injury-related expenses and the inability to work normally leaves workers’ and their families in a tight spot financially.
Our lawyers have witnessed firsthand the stress that this creates for families, which is why we fight to make sure that filing and receiving workers’ compensation goes as smoothly as possible. Call one of our skilled attorneys today at (301) 220-0050 to discuss your case or reach out to us online.
Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Many people attempt to see their workers’ compensation claim through by themselves. While they may have marginal success in securing a settlement, they may not be able to receive the full amount that they deserve. When an attorney oversees your claim, they can ensure that the settlement is fair and covers all past and ongoing expenses. A satisfactory settlement should cover your medical bills and lost wages.
Additionally, if you are being retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim, a lawyer will make sure that your interests are being protected. This retaliation can take various forms, such as reduced work hours, a demotion, a layoff, or an outright firing. If any of this has happened to you, consider contacting a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
If you already receive or plan on filing for Social Security disability payments, your workers’ compensation settlement plan needs to be written in a way that accounts for both factors. If your settlement is drafted incorrectly, your workers’ compensation settlement could affect your Social Security benefits. By hiring a lawyer to help with this, you can protect both vital payments.
Some employers and their insurance companies fail to make their payments promptly. If you have filed a workers’ compensation claim and believe that your employer is delaying payment, you may be correct. When you are injured on the job and rely on workers’ compensation to offset the financial stress your injury has caused, a lawyer can help you keep your employer on a timely schedule.
Why Hire CHASENBOSCOLO to Handle My Case?
The attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO serve people of Washington, D.C., whose lives have been complicated by costly injuries. If you have been injured at work, we understand what it takes to help you fight for workers’ compensation. We put our experience to work for you so that you can continue to provide for yourself and your family as you cope with your injuries.
We take care of the people who entrust their cases to us, and for those who have come to us seeking assistance with workers’ compensation claims, we have helped recover millions of dollars. Our lawyers helped a worker who sustained serious injuries after falling from a roof recover $1,165,000 in his workers’ compensation claim.
Our team of workers’ compensation lawyers is well-versed in the tactics that insurance companies and employers use to attempt to lower a settlement or delay the payment. We have maneuvered around these avoidance tactics and, in doing so, have been awarded numerous distinctions and honors for the work we do for our clients.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Cases We Handle
Depending on the nature of your work and the circumstances of your injury, the amount of workers’ compensation money will vary. The following are some workplace injuries that will easily prevent workers from being able to complete their duties.
- Broken and fractured bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Amputations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
Not all injuries that prevent employees from working are catastrophic. Some injuries, like repetitive motion injuries, could require workers to take some time to rest to recover. No matter your injury, a lawyer can help determine if your condition allows you to receive benefits.
Who Files a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workers across a variety of industries are vulnerable to injury. No matter what your job is, you are likely able to file a workers’ compensation claim if you are an employee. Unfortunately, if you are classified as an independent contractor, your employer is not legally required to provide workers’ compensation coverage to you. However, some employers, whether on purpose or by accident, misclassify their employees.
If you believe that you have been misclassified as an independent contractor when you are performing the duties of an employee, then you may be eligible to have your classification and access to workers’ compensation reevaluated. A quick consultation with a lawyer will be helpful in answering some of these questions.
The following are common accidents that workers suffer:
- Industrial Accidents – Explosions, fires, heavy machinery malfunctions
- Construction Accidents – Structure collapses, falls
- Office Accidents – Repetitive motion injuries, slip and fall
- Hospital Accidents – Medical equipment injuries, slip and fall, exhaustion
The Statute of Limitations — When Should I File?
If you have been injured in a work-related accident, it is often in your best interest to file for your workers’ compensation claim as soon as you can. In doing so, you ensure that you will be able to receive payment as soon as possible. Lost wages and medical bills make prompt filing a good idea. If you are considering filing for workers’ compensation in Washington, D.C., be aware of the following deadlines:
- 30 days — Section § 32-1513 gives an employee 30 days to report their work-related injuries to their employer
- One year – Employees who wish to file for workers’ compensation have one year from the incident of illness or injury to file.
The same guidelines apply to family members of Washington, D.C., workers who wish to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a deceased family member.
What Do I Do If I Need to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
If you’ve come down with an illness or injury related to your occupation, seek the medical treatment that you need. Whether it’s a minor injury or a more serious medical event, make sure that you keep all documentation related to your treatment.
Report your illness or injury to your employer as soon as you can. This report must be filed in 30 days. If you wait until after the 30-day mark, you may not be eligible to receive the workers’ compensation that you need.
Your employer may have an insurance company that reached out to you to verify information. They often have the best interests of your employer in mind. Though they may not have any ill intent, it is best to refer any insurance agent to your lawyer. By speaking with the insurance agent, you could inadvertently hurt the success of your claim.
Most employers offer workers’ compensation. If you suspect that your employer is retaliating against you for filing a claim, an attorney can help make sure that your rights are protected. Retaliation looks different depending on the employer but often constitutes any action that has a negative impact on the employee and is perpetrated for no apparent reason.
Do’s and Don’ts of Workers’ Compensation Claims & Benefits
When you’ve been hurt on the job, there are several things you should and shouldn’t do to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Do:
- Do report your accident and injuries to your employer—including who else was involved and how the accident occurred.
- Do visit a doctor—even if you don’t think you were seriously injured. Some injuries take time to present themselves.
- Do keep records of your medical expenses, doctor visits, missed days from work and medication costs. Also, keep notes of your recovery process and take pictures of your injuries.
- Do contact a Washington, D.C., workers’ compensation lawyer at CHASENBOSCOLO to discuss your claim by completing a free contact request form or by calling (301) 220-0050.
Don’t:
- Don’t sign anything from your employer or the insurance company without first speaking to CHASENBOSCOLO.
- Don’t provide a recorded statement to the insurance company. You can tell them no.
- Don’t discuss your accident or injuries with anyone else, including your co-workers.
- Don’t talk about your accident on Facebook, Twitter or any other social media or post pictures of your injuries.
If you have any questions about your workers’ compensation claim, don’t hesitate to ask an experienced attorney.
Workers’ Compensation Dispute Resolution
If you are denied workers’ compensation, you can fight the denial by requesting a hearing with the Administrative Hearings Division, which is a formal hearing in which your employer will likely have a legal team to represent their interests. If you are granted a formal hearing, your best chance for compensation is by hiring a lawyer to represent your case.
Workers’ Compensation FAQs
What is the difference between workers’ compensation and personal injury?
Do I qualify for workers’ compensation benefits?
If you were hurt on the job, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries—even if the accident was your fault. Accidents in company vehicles also qualify you for benefits. Call us at (301) 220-0050 or fill out a free contact request form, and our Washington, D.C., workers’ compensation attorneys will evaluate your case.
What benefits will I get from my claim?
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Future medical care for lasting or permanent injuries
- Lost wages
- Medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
Can my employer fire me for filing a WC claim?
Your employer can’t fire you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation laws were designed to protect workers’ rights and to prevent employers and insurance companies from taking advantage of injured employees.
If I file a workers’ compensation claim, can I also apply for social security disability benefits?
If your work injury results in severe impairment and you are unable to perform substantial gainful employment for more than 12 continuous months, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. To learn more about qualifying for SSD, visit our Social Security Disability eligibility page or call us today at (301) 220-0050.
How much does a workers’ compensation attorney cost?
With CHASENBOSCOLO, yes—you can afford a lawyer that cares. With our No Fee Guarantee®, you will not owe us an attorney fee unless we win your case. Our Washington, D.C., workers’ compensation attorneys are dedicated to helping all citizens get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve, regardless of their ability to pay.
Do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer?
It is strongly recommended, as the insurance company isn’t obligated to tell you how the law works and all the benefits to which you might be entitled. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at ChasenBoscolo handle workers’ compensation claims every day. We know how to handle your claim to ensure the best possible chance of recovering benefits. From filling out your paperwork to disputing the results of unfair insurance company medical exams, we’ll ensure your rights are protected through the entire workers’ compensation claims process.
How do I know if the insurance company’s offer is fair?
A fair offer depends on a number of factors, such as the extent of your injuries, the number of body parts injured, the amount of your disability, the amount of time you’re unable to work, your average weekly wage, wage loss and if you require future medical treatment or physical therapy. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you calculate the true cost of your injury or illness, so that you can make an informed decision about the value of your claim.
Do I have to use vacation time for doctor’s visits?
The amount of time it takes for wage reimbursement to take effect varies depending on where your workers’ compensation claim is filed. If your employer demands you use vacation time for medical treatment—or if you already have—contact ChasenBoscolo today. Our Washington, D.C., workers’ compensation attorneys can help you take the right steps to maximize your wage loss benefits.
Does my employer have to accommodate my injuries?
While employees can’t be fired for filing workers’ compensation claims, employers may fire workers who cannot perform their job duties. This distinction can be hard to recognize, so it’s important to talk to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney if you feel you may be the victim of wrongful termination or employer retaliation.
Reach out to CHASENBOSCOLO to Fight for You
If you were hurt at work and need to file a workers’ compensation claim, don’t compromise on the benefits that you are owed. Serious injuries and the expenses related to them could create a financial burden that follows you for years to come, and a Washington, D.C., workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file for a fair settlement.
The attorneys at CHASENBOSCOLO know that the inherent stress injuries cause is compounded when you are unable to provide for your family. Let a skilled lawyer look at your case and help you pursue the settlement that is appropriate for your situation. Call our office today to get started at (301) 220-0050 or fill out an online contact form.
