One of the biggest and most important things about reaching out to your employer for workers’ compensation for your injuries is actually receiving the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. While workers’ compensation is not like litigation and is not subject to the same types of hold ups with respect to recovery as personal injury litigation often is, there are still some important considerations to keep in mind to ensure that you receive as much compensation as you deserve. One of the best ways to ensure that you give yourself the best chance to receive the amount you need is to hire an attorney to help you through the process.
How Does the Process Work?
In order to negotiate with your employer, you must first report your injury to your employer. After your employer receives notice of your injury and investigates it, their insurance adjuster will likely handle the matter from there. It is up to you to negotiate with the insurance adjuster and advocate for your rights and your needs based on the extent and nature of your injuries.
Tips for Negotiating Your Compensation Amount
Learning some basic tips can help you throughout the negotiations process. These include the following listed below.
Documentation is key. Remember how important it is to document your claim, particularly the happenings of the day of the incident. Where you were when it happened? Why you were there? How did the injury happen? All of the above are essential inquiries. Any witnesses you may have to attest that this happened at the workplace and while you were doing your job are essential here.
Be aggressive. The adjuster’s job is to crunch numbers and save the insurance company money. Adjusters work with the firm and the insurance company and investigate your claim. It is important that you ensure your claims are strong and that you defend then zealously.
Value your case properly. The difference between disability payments for a short period of time and payments on a permanent basis lies in how your disability level is calculated. The difference between 10 percent and 80 percent of your weekly wage in disability payments also lies in how your disability level is calculated. Your calculation of your weekly wage is also essential as a base number for the future calculations of your compensation amounts. Be sure to take your time in determining what your ideal settlement will look like.
Know when to walk away.Finally, you have the option to appeal a decision with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commision if you are unhappy with a proposed settlement or a denial of your claim. Sometimes, walking away from the adjuster and turning to the Commission is your best best.
Hire an Attorney for an Advocate Every Step of the Way
As an employee who was injured at the workplace, your healing process is one of the most important considerations you should keep in mind right now. You should not have to fight on your own for the compensation you need to maintain your lifestyle. Contact Workers Compensation Lawyers- PLLC for the help you need to carry the load of workers’ compensation negotiations with your employer’s insurance company.
