Many people injured in the workplace just assume that workers compensation insurance will handle all the details and expenses involved in restoring them to the same physical condition they were in before the injury. The role of the insurance company representative, as well as the human resource director for the employer, is to minimize the amount of money the incident will cost their respective companies. The process can be complex and confusing. Those injured may feel intimidated to return to work or reach a quick settlement and sign a release form to end the open case. The results can be detrimental to the injured employee. That is why it is always wise to consult Workers Compensation Lawyers in Burlington VT.
Lawyers who focus on representing those injured at work, like those at McVeigh Skiff LLP, for example, are experienced in the process and know that complications can present themselves long after the injury occurs. Once an employee accepts a settlement from the insurance company, it is extremely difficult to claim any further benefits. If a bone fails to heal properly, more surgery may be required to fix the problem. Special durable medical equipment, such as a bone stimulator or a portable unit for pain relief, may be needed to ease the condition or remedy the situation. A full recovery is ideal, but that may not be possible. In that case, retraining for a different job, supplementing income received for a reduction in work hours, or permanent disability may have to be covered by the insurance company. Many companies will deny the claim, offer a different solution, or pressure workers into accepting one lump sum. Workers Compensation Lawyers in Burlington VT can represent the injured employee in negotiations, or in court if necessary.
Extreme cases may call for months of rehabilitation, long term care, or compensation to dependents for wrongful death. While most cases are settled out of court, many cases are determined by trial and judgment. Building a strong case takes time and plenty of evidence so contacting a lawyer immediately is wise. Hesitating can make things more difficult because witnesses are likely to forget details as time goes by, and the investigation team will not have the opportunity to take pictures of the site shortly after the incident. Obstructions can be removed, steps or flooring can be repaired, and machinery replaced by the time evidence is gathered.
