Getting hurt on the job can mean days of missed work and a pile of medical bills. That’s why workers’ compensation exists. It’s meant to pay workers who get hurt and make up for some of their expenses, but sometimes insurers don’t want to pay you what you deserve after an accident. That’s when you may want to call our Sussex County workers’ compensation lawyers.

When Should I Receive Worker’s Compensation?

You should receive worker’s compensation anytime you get injured at work. It’s not just people in manual labor fields who have to worry about this kind of thing either. Workers in offices, hotels, and retail stores can slip and fall when they’re on the job or get hurt in a variety of other ways.

No matter what kind of injury you suffer on the job, it should be reported to your employer right away. Then they talk to their insurance company and you should receive compensation that can help make up for lost wages and expenses like medical bills.

It’s also important to note that these benefits should be paid out regardless of fault. Even if your employer was not to blame for you getting hurt, that should not matter. Insurers still try to find ways to get away with sending out low offers though, so it’s good to know how they try to justify their practices.

Why Would I Receive a Low Workers’ Compensation Offer?

An insurance company can go to some impressive efforts to find reasons to offer little or no compensation. They might try to claim that:

  • Your injuries aren’t as serious as you say
  • You were actually hurt outside of work
  • A pre-existing condition is the real problem
  • You or another worker were intoxicated

How Can I Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Offer?

If you do receive a lower offer than you would like, you can challenge the insurer with an appeal. This is much like a court hearing. You tell your side of the story and get the chance to make it clear that you deserve more in benefits.

An insurer might put on the pressure when they send you a lowball offer. They may tell you that this is the best that you can do or act like they’re doing you a big favor. Sometimes insurance companies even try to guilt workers by acting as if asking for more compensation would harm the company that they work for and their co-workers. Don’t let any of this sway you if you think you’re getting a bad deal.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

We do recommend hiring a lawyer if you decide to appeal. This is your only chance to affect how much you’ll receive in benefits. The results of this appeal could end up making a huge difference in the lives of you and your family.

Schedule Your Consultation

If you want to learn more about what options you have when you receive a low workers’ compensation offer, we can help. Contact Laddey Clark & Ryan, LLP to schedule a consultation and talk about what our lawyers can do to be of assistance.