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If you've just been in a workplace accident that resulted in an injury, you're undoubtedly wondering about a few things. What can I anticipate from this procedure? How long can it take you to finish it? Is it possible for me to return to work following a workers' compensation settlement?
All of them are reasonable concerns. Throughout this process, you should ask yourself a lot of questions. Is it possible for you to return to work once you've settled? Is that the best course of action? What is the suggested course of action for injured employees?
Is it Possible to Return to Work After a Workers' Compensation Settlement?
Yes, to put it concisely. The basic basis of workers' compensation, contrary to popular assumption, is not to seek revenge on the employer. Workers' compensation is intended to take the employer out of the equation to repair the employer-employee relationship.
The priority is to assist you in recovering from your injuries and to cover all necessary medical expenses. The insurance companies, on the other hand, can be a pain in the neck. You and your St Louis workers compensation lawyer may try to reach an agreement with the provider or the insurance adjuster.
Even so, there are a lot of things to think about before you walk back in the door. Here are a few points to consider:
Your Condition – Even if you have workers' compensation, your injuries may be too severe to return to your previous state. Whether that's the case, check to see if a different position within the same firm is available. If not, it can be worth taking a lump sum settlement to secure a position where you can excel in the future
The Relationship Between You and Your Employer – The workers' compensation saves the employer from having to pay for all your medical expenditures. Some people may be irritated by the fact that it can raise their insurance premiums. Before returning to work, think about your relationship with your boss. If it was already unstable at best, it could be a better idea to explore other job options
Advice from your attorney– An experienced attorney has seen enough workers’ compensation cases to know when returning to the same company is a poor choice. If your lawyer is recommending you in one direction or the other, pay close attention to what they have to say. Allowing your emotions to distort your judgment is not a good idea. You should solely think about yourself and your family's future
Is it Still Possible to Reach a Settlement if I Return to Work?
Yes, workers' compensation is designed to assist you in recovering from your injuries as quickly as possible and returning to work. The second part is ensuring that you receive the funds you are entitled to cover your medical expenses.
If you recuperate and are ready to return to work before a settlement is agreed upon, you and your lawyer can continue to negotiate with their insurance company. The same is true for those of you who never missed a day of work due to your injury.
Always contact your lawyer if you have any doubts. They can assist you in determining the best course of action for your specific scenario.
What Is the Deadline for Filing a Claim?
You have 45 days to notify your employer in writing about the injury. After that, you have three years to submit a workers' compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit, but the two usually go together.
One thing to keep in mind is that you should not file a workers' compensation claim without first consulting and engaging a workers' compensation attorney. They may be able to provide you step-by-step steps to follow to maximize your compensation and so they won’t deny your workers’ comp claim.
After you've reported the injury, your employer (provided they have workers' compensation coverage) may give you paperwork to fill out according to their provider's specifications.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Workers' Compensation Case?
The answer varies from case to case and is determined by the kind and amount of your medical treatment and damage. However, it might take anything from a few weeks to many years to resolve. An attorney's major goal is to get you back to work as soon as possible after your injury.
For more information regarding worker's compensation law and filing for worker's compensation claims, contact Powell Law Firm.