When negotiating with the employer’s insurance company to settle, the personal injury attorney seattle wa has the advantage of estimating how much a case is worth. It is the amount of benefits to receive based on several aspects, including:
- The extent of injuries and results limitations in what to do
- The past medical expenses, including the cost of medical treatment needed
- Whether you have lasting impairments and the extent of permanent disability
- Whether the employer owes for the past temporary disability benefits and penalties for the late payments
- Previous wages
Lawyers know about negotiating tactics and tricks used by insurance companies, from low-ball offers to bogus final offers that are not. With a few expectations, workers’ computer attorneys are more likely to engage in productive negotiations with insurers than applicants that act alone. An attorney ensures that the settlement agreement is properly written to keep negative consequences.
For example, if you receive or apply for the benefits of Social Security disability, an improperly designed settlement agreement may cost hundreds of dollars each month in benefits due to the workers’ compensation offset. A lawyer also helps come up with a reasonable estimate of the future medical expenses, the settlement agreement takes that into account.
While it is true that worker’s compensation judges must approve settlements, it would not be wise to rely on the judge to protect the interests adequately. In settlement negotiations, a workers’ injury lawyer is essential.
Workers’ compensation hearing representative
If you can’t settle, the case proceeds to the administrative hearing or trial before the workers’ compensation judge. During the investigation process, an attorney takes the following:
- depositions of witnesses
- request your medical records
- perform legal research
- write your pleadings
These pleadings come in the forms of:
- petitions
- motions
- responses to the insurance company
During the hearing, a lawyer presents the theory of the case: why you must get benefits. Upon the presentation, it will be appreciated by the judge. The lawyer stands for you during the case to represent you through:
- Opening and closing arguments
- Examine witnesses
- Raise objections
When not satisfied with the result of the hearing, the attorney helps you appeal the decision. Getting a workplace injury attorney helps you through the process of claiming workers’ compensation claims as it is the specialist on workers’ injury compensation claims. Employees can get the workers’ claim they are entitled to by the legal assistance of a seattle wa workplace injury attorney.