Workers’ Compensation Q & A
If you have been injured on the job, you have a workers’ compensation claim. If you were injured due to the negligence of a third party (i.e. other than your employer), then you do indeed have a personal injury claim—and sometimes you can have both. It can be difficult to prove liability in certain personal injury cases, so it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in that practice area.
“Med Pay, or Medical Payments coverage, is a form of insurance coverage that applies no matter who is liable for a car accident. Med Pay covers medical bills for you and anyone else who was in the vehicle at the time of the crash, and is great to help pay for co-pays, deductibles, etc.
The value of your personal injury depends on multiple factors, including the extent of the injury, how much your medical bills cost, if and how long you are unable to return to work, and many other factors. Despite the rumors, there is no set formula or general rule that applies. Your attorney can discuss with you the value of your injury claim and how it may go up (or down).
Some of the most common types of personal injuries include:
- Workplace accidents.
- Car accidents.
- Medical malpractice.
- Nursing home abuse.
- Product defect accidents.
Firing, demoting, or mistreating an employee for filing a claim is illegal in Missouri. With the right attorney, this injustice can be proven and a lawsuit will be filed. But, it is much better to call and talk to an attorney before you get fired.
The vast majority of our claims are settled without the need to file any lawsuit. But, insurance companies often make an initial settlement offer to try to settle for as little as possible. However, it is important to consult with your lawyer before responding, because how you respond can also affect your claim or the ability to settle later. And once you make a counter-offer—even if you find out you have a lot more damages later—it is very difficult to ever convince an insurance company your claim is worth more than that. It may be more difficult for an attorney to salvage a fair settlement if you have already begun settlement negotiations on your own.
Yes. Injuries can cause issues such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, and emotional distress. These things are less tangible than personal injuries and therefore can be tricky to prove, but an experienced personal injury attorney knows what kind of evidence you will need and how to get it.
Some settlements can be negotiated before all of the medical treatment is complete, and some can’t. However, this does vary from case to case. Sometimes there are advantages to settling early if there is an insurance policy-limits issue, or for other very good reasons. An attorney can discuss those with you and weigh when and how to make a settlement offer, etc., which is sometimes just as important as how much to offer to settle for.
No. We do not charge any fees until we have won a settlement for the client, and initial consultations are free and confidential.
Get the Compensation You Deserve for Your Personal Injury
If you or someone you know has been injured in a workplace accident, The Hines Wilson Law Firm, LLC may be able to help. Our workers’ compensation attorneys and personal injury attorneys are committed to fighting for the financial compensation our clients deserve. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.