Although your employer or other people might inform you otherwise, workers’ compensation can be a difficult process to navigate on your own. This is precisely the reason that employers retain their own workers’ compensation attorneys to represent their interests if a claim moves forward. Recognizing that there are specific protocols and rules at play is important for protecting your claim and reducing the chances that you’ll be denied benefits. 

Picture the situation from the perspective of the insurance adjuster. These adjusters are trained to save the company money, and many have years of experience working directly with workers’ compensation claims. The insurance company from which your employer gets their workers’ compensation coverage is completely invested in doing whatever they have to do to avoid paying benefits. Is it really fair to go up against people who are well educated in the field of workers’ comp when this is likely your first claim? The people you’ll be up against know exactly what they’re doing, and in some cases they may even be counting on your inexperience to help their own case.

Don’t risk losing out on the New Jersey workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. There are several telltale signs that you need to reach out to an attorney. If you spot these signs, discontinue discussing the case with your employer immediately and contact a lawyer. 

Signs That The Time Has Come to Contact an Attorney

  • Compensation was originally promised to you, but there has been no follow through on this process
  • You’re now recovering from your injuries without any income
  • The insurance company denied your claim despite evidence 
  • Your employer denies that your injury occurred while you were on the job
  • You’re nearing the point of negotiating with the insurance company 

After you’ve hit what’s known as “maximum medical improvement” by your physician, you will be given a disability rating. While this certainly helps your case, it does not guarantee that the workers’ compensation carrier will approve your claim and pay out. Insurance carrier physicians are known for awarding the lowest possible ratings in order to make your claim harder to fight. Don’t go through this process without legal assistance. Our experienced staff will help you get a second opinion and new rating and move forward with your claim. 

If the claim was not settled adequately by the insurance company, you will proceed to a  trial. This is where it’s beneficial if you’ve already hired an attorney, because you’ll enter this stage with clear expectations and be guided by an experienced professional. Your claim is too important to be left to risk; contact our office today for a consultation.