If you have been injured while working at your job, then you need to see a worker’s compensation attorney immediately. Generally, workers compensation is easy to file for, but not easy to collect for the period of time that you are unable to work. One of the first steps to take is to retain an attorney experienced in the Worker’s compensation law in Sturgis SD because you would be best advised to document your case correctly from the beginning.
An attorney experienced in workers compensation cases will help you properly document your case. This is important because the documentation will build the case as it progresses, and this process could lead to a settlement if you cannot return to work. The state law specifies the amount of weekly compensation you are entitled to if you are injured, but many employers and their insurance companies will attempt to disprove your claim as being justified. Often, they will cite pre-existing conditions if there is a remote chance of any such conditions existing. It can be difficult for some workers to get the basic weekly benefits if the employer or the insurance company wants to deny your claim.
The attorney can be invaluable at this point, and from this point on. An attorney can guide you in providing the documentation you need and they can represent you at every stage of the filing process and the hearings. Many Social Security Disability cases that are denied are approved when an attorney files for an appeal. However, more applications for benefits are approved when they are filed initially, because an attorney has the experience to ensure that the filing is done with the law and the legal requirements in mind.
If an appeal before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is required, the attorney experienced in Worker’s compensation law Sturgis SD is an essential partner to have. The ALJ has many of the powers of a judge, and they are concerned with the proper presentation of the evidence and an explanation of any evidence that may require an expert. An expert witness including a doctor can testify on your behalf, and often it is the verbal testimony that supports the evidence.