Many people who have been injured in workplace accidents or who have developed a work-related illness wonder when they should contact a lawyer. In some cases, you may be hesitant to contact an attorney because you are worried that it will be expensive or you do not think that your injuries are serious enough to warrant a legal claim. In others, you may plan on handling your workers’ compensation claim yourself. It is important to understand that any delay in filing a claim can result in loss of your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits. For this reason, you should always call an attorney as soon as you recognize that you may have a claim.
Retaining a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Does not Involve Up-Front Costs
One of the main reasons that people hesitate to contact a lawyer is that they are concerned about being able to afford it. After all, lawyers are known for having for having high hourly rates, and many people who have been injured in an accident are unable to work and are experiencing a significant loss of income. Fortunately for injured victims, workers’ compensation attorneys almost invariably charge their clients on a contingent fee-basis, which means that you will not have to pay anything for legal representation unless you obtain benefits. Any legal fees that you incur will be a percentage of your workers’ compensation settlement or award.
This system has the dual benefit of allowing injured workers to obtain quality legal representation and incentivizing attorneys to get the best possible result for their clients.
Do I Need an Attorney at All?
If you have been hurt in a workplace accident, you may be wondering whether you need to retain an attorney at all. The truth of the matter is that not every workers’ compensation claim requires the assistance of an attorney – and our lawyers will advise you as to whether or not we believe you need to retain legal representation. Generally speaking, high-value claims have more of a potential for denial of a claim or litigation, as employers and insurers have more incentive to fight them. An attorney can help victims of workplace accidents in a number of ways, including the following:
- Completing and filing any necessary paperwork
- Communicating with the insurance company on your behalf
- Filing any appeals, if necessary
- Representing you in any administrative or judicial proceedings that may occur
Contact a New Jersey Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today to Discuss Your Case
If you have been hurt in a workplace accident or developed a medical condition that you suspect is related to your work environment, you should call a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you call, the sooner you will be able to get benefits. Additionally, waiting to call an attorney can jeopardize your ability to obtain benefits. To schedule a free consultation with one of our lawyers, call the Wilton Law Firm today at 732-275-9555.