The short answer is yes. Clients typically ask, “Do I really need a workers’ compensation attorney? Or can I just file a claim by myself?” Whether you’re asking yourself this to try and save money, or you just think it’s not that complicated – you may want to think again.
The workers compensation program in Atlanta is extremely complicated, and if you don’t have that experienced knowledge of the appropriate workers comp laws, you may find yourself in over your head with questions and concerns. Self-representation could mean a very costly mistake and you could get taken advantage of.
As an injured worker, you run the risk of losing a lot by making the decision to go at your workers comp case alone, that’s why it’s in your best interest to understand what you can do to find the best representation for your individual case and its circumstances.
Don’t Get Lost in the Dark
One of the biggest mistakes you can make is tackling your case alone and assuming you can get the best results by going through the system without the proper legal representation. Although the law doesn’t prevent you from representing yourself during the claims process, it’s strongly discouraged.
One of the main roadblocks you will face if you decide to represent yourself is the difficulty of fully understanding the law associated with workers compensation. Without the proper legal knowledge, any state’s workers’ compensation laws can be extremely difficult to interpret on your own.
There are various conditions under Georgia’s workplace injury program that are difficult for employees to understand, but well understood by a licensed Georgia workers’ comp attorney.
Not only must you understand the law, you must also understand how to communicate with insurance adjusters who exploit the naivety of unrepresented injured workers. Insurance providers want to pay out as little as possible on medical and financial benefits. Without an aggressive and experienced lawyer to protect you, you could lose out on your maximum owed benefit.
According to industry research, individuals who settle their claims directly with an insurance company typically recover less than one-third the amount of those represented by the appropriate workers compensation attorney.
All parties involved in your case including employees, employers, insurance carriers and treating doctors under the program have certain responsibilities when it comes to your claim. Having the right legal representation is crucial to ensuring you get the best out of your workers compensation claim.
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