Updated: 02/27/2020

How to Know When You Need a Lawyer

In 2016, almost 3.7 million workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in the United States. An average of 150 people died each day during that year because of hazardous working conditions.

Workers’ compensation is designed to help those who suffer from a work-related injury, or for family members of those who were killed on the job. However, it can be difficult to get the full amount of compensation that is needed. This is where a West Virginia workers’ injury and death lawyer can be incredibly helpful.

Filing a Claim for Worker’s Compensation

The worker who is injured can file their own claim for workers’ compensation, but if the worker died because of their injuries, the family will need to file a work-related death claim. The steps to filing a claim should be provided by the place of employment and will need to be carefully looked over and filled out for the claim to go through as quickly as possible. Most people do not hire a lawyer for this part of the process, but this is the time when you should do so to increase the possibility of getting the highest compensation possible.

The Problem With Filing a Claim

While workers’ compensation is intended to provide benefits to those who are injured, not everyone will be approved. Denial reasons can vary and are based on the type of injury, when the injury occurred, the medical assistance obtained after the injury, and more. After a claim has been denied, the worker does have the chance to appeal the decision and request workers’ compensation again. If the worker did not hire a work-related injury and death lawyer for the claim portion of the process, it is during this time that it’s incredibly beneficial to hire one to ensure that their appeal has the best chance of approval.

Hiring a Lawyer for Assistance

If a worker’s claim is denied, he/she can use a work-related injury and death lawyer in West Virginia to file an appeal. A lawyer is absolutely necessary at this point to ensure everything is done correctly and to drastically minimize the chance of the appeal being denied. A lawyer will review all information for the case as well as the reason that the claim was initially denied.

Pat Jacobs will work with the injured worker to fill out any paperwork needed for the appeal and represent him/her through the appeals process.

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or you’re a family member of someone who has been killed on the job, hiring Pat Jacobs can enable you to have a much better chance of getting the compensation that you deserve. Sit down with Pat for a free consultation.