Thomas F. Martin, PLC is a work injury attorney in Orange County fighting for injured workers’ rights. He has handled a wide range of cases involving serious, career-ending injuries and helped clients secure the highest possible settlement for their work-related injury or illness.
Why You Need A Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Insurance companies are committed to protecting their bottom line by reducing the amount of benefits they pay out to injured workers. In cases of serious injury, the only way to guarantee workers obtain the rights they deserve is to hire an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who will expertly navigate the tactics and tricks used by the insurance company.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance Company Tactics
Injured workers may face the following obstacles to obtaining the benefits they deserve.
- Quick settlement offer.
Insurance claims administrators may quickly offer a small settlement to discourage workers from hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. They might lead workers to believe this is the best they can offer and pressure workers to accept it urgently so that they can authorize treatment. However, this offer typically doesn’t take into consideration the potential long-term care needs of injured workers. It’s important to always consult a workers’ compensation lawyer before signing any settlement offer.
- Refuse to approve a physician referral.
The worker’s Authorized Treating Physician may refer them to a different doctor or specialist for further analysis and treatment. But the insurance company may not like the additional cost and choose to fight the recommendation. This can delay treatment and cause complications in the recovery process. Workers should speak to a workers’ compensation attorney if they’re faced with this obstacle.
- Ask the worker to sign a medical release.
Oftentimes, the insurance company will ask the injured worker to sign a release so that they can access past medical records. The release may be too broad for the case and to adjust the scope of the medical release, workers may require the assistance of a workers’ compensation attorney.
- Request a recorded statement.
During the initial investigation, the claims administrator may ask the worker to provide a recorded statement discussing the illness or injury. Workers who have been seriously injured may not be ready to provide a statement and may have difficulty remembering all of the details. The recorded statement may also be used against them if they’re later required to provide a deposition. The insurance company may claim the worker gave inconsistent information.
- Delay payment or treatment.
Insurance companies know workers need their paychecks to cover living expenses. In hopes of pressuring workers to accept an early settlement offer, insurance companies may delay sending out payment and approving treatment. In these cases, injured workers need to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer.
The Next Step
Choosing a competent work injury lawyer in Orange County is the best way to make sure you receive all of the benefits you are entitled to. To discuss your claim with award-winning attorney Thomas F. Martin, call us today at 714-547-5025, or reach out to us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
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