Workers Compensation Attorney: Our Philosophy

WE ARE UNIQUE IN A HIGH VOLUME INDUSTRY

At our firm, we take pride in fostering close relationships with our clients. Our approach to workers compensation law stands apart from other lawyers because we genuinely care about our injured workers and take the time to communicate personally with them. Too often, injured workers have little to no contact with their attorneys, and many haven't even met their legal representative. It can be nearly impossible to reach a lawyer by phone, and many firms take on workers comp benefits cases without the necessary expertise. Here, you can always expect to speak directly to an experienced workers compensation attorney.

With over 30 years of experience working with both insurance companies and injured workers, we've seen it all. We prioritize responding to your questions and address any situation more promptly than other lawyers.

YOUR HEALTH CARE IS IMPORTANT

Your health is paramount. An injury that keeps you from working not only affects your livelihood but can diminish your overall quality of life. Many individuals experience depression following an injury, which can lead to a significant decline in their daily enjoyment. Managing painful injuries can prevent participation in fun events and even everyday activities that were once taken for granted. We are here to guide you on the path to recovery by connecting you with a caring doctor and fighting to ensure you receive all necessary treatments for your work injuries, including psychological counseling, while securing the compensation you deserve.

BAD THINGS CAN HAPPEN TO GOOD WORKERS

We understand that work injuries can affect even the most careful and dedicated workers. It's unjust for an injured worker to have their life fundamentally altered by an accident stemming from someone else's negligence. Not all work injuries are obvious; pain may manifest days after an incident or gradually worsen over time due to repetitive tasks. It's crucial to be aware that you have rights to workers comp benefits, even if there isn't a clear 'at-fault' party. If you're experiencing pain that you're unsure about, it might stem from cumulative trauma caused by repetitive work.

When injuries accumulate over time, which we refer to as cumulative trauma, a worker deserves treatment just as much as one who suffered acute injuries, such as falling from a ladder. Unfortunately, workers with repetitive injuries are often wrongly advised by employers to consult their own doctors. If an employer does permit a worker suffering from cumulative injuries to see a doctor, the insurance company may still deny workers comp benefits for that claim by simply issuing a denial letter.

In cases where there’s no blunt trauma or a specific injury moment, insurance companies tend to deny claims. We are well-versed in the laws that can help overturn a denial for repetitive work injuries. Moreover, it’s not just the denial that can hinder injured workers from obtaining their deserved benefits; insurers often attribute injuries to a specific event because it’s easier for them to manage. This can complicate the documentation of your medical history, which may negatively impact your claim. It's vital to ensure that all aspects of your case are correctly organized to avoid future administrative hurdles.

CALCULATING YOUR AWARD IS IMPORTANT

We know how to effectively use the AMA Guides to assess your injuries for proper compensation. Monetary awards for injured workers are calculated based on the extent of harm caused by their injuries. Our team is highly trained in leveraging medical charts to maximize settlements. Remember, settlements come from the workers' comp insurance company, not your employer, who may apply pressure on medical professionals and the process to diminish the compensation you receive.

Injured workers are entitled to financial awards primarily due to their reduced ability to compete in the workforce. The provision of bodily impairment benefits relies heavily on insurance companies, making it essential for you to have an attorney with experience and knowledge in managing the nuances of acquiring proper evidence and advocating in front of a judge. Impairment ratings differ for each worker based on factors like age, occupation, and specific injuries. Without a skilled workers' compensation attorney helping to build your case, you risk facing significant disadvantages.

INSURERS WILL TRY TO DENY OR REDUCE WORK COMP BENEFITS

Claiming your workers comp benefits can be a challenging process. Employers may disregard your requests for treatment or, if they do facilitate it, the insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to your case. That adjuster’s main task is to restrict the amount the insurance company must spend on your treatment. Typically, they will refer you to a doctor with whom they have a favorable relationship, one who may prioritize the insurance company’s interests over your health and financial stability. Remember, you are not mandated to see 'their' doctor. Insurance companies might recommend a network like US Healthworks or Concentra, but you have options.

HOW MUCH DOES A LAWYER COST

Many individuals avoid hiring a lawyer under the assumption that legal representation is unaffordable. Unlike civil attorneys who might take up to 40% of an award, our fee is only 15% of the settlement—paid by the insurance company and only upon a successful outcome. Engaging an attorney is beneficial; our representation often significantly increases the compensation awarded in workers comp claims, surpassing the 15% we charge for our services.

EXPERIENCED WORK COMP LAWYERS GET THE MOST MONEY

With over 30 years of dedicated practice in workers compensation law, our team has expertise in representing both injured workers and insurance companies. We offer a friendly and understanding approach, always available to address your questions.

Call today for free advice from our approachable workmans comp attorneys, Aaron Steinberg or Josh Harrer. We're happy to assist you at 310-961-0588.