Recovering from a work-related injury can be difficult, particularly if your workers’ compensation claim has been denied. Thankfully, a Bon Air workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand what it takes to successfully appeal the denial and what steps you should take before your appearance in court. These steps include the following:
Collecting Evidence
If your initial workers’ compensation claim has been denied by the insurance company, you should collect additional evidence before you appear in court. You need strong evidence that shows that you deserve benefits for the serious losses you have sustained. For instance, if the denial was based on an allegation that you were not injured in the workplace, or that you did not sustain any injury at all, you can dispute this by presenting witness testimonies, medical records, and video footage.
Calculating Your Damages
If you have been hurt while performing your job duties, you must know the damages or losses you suffered because of the workplace accident. This way, you don’t settle your claim for less than its worth. An attorney can help you come up with an estimate of your claim’s value. They will ensure you pursue benefits that cover the amount of time you were not able to work and evaluate the kind of benefits you may be entitled to. Your attorney will help determine how long you must get such benefits.
Preparing to Testify
During the hearing, you may need to testify about the injury and losses you have sustained. Sometimes, the insurer may push you to make a mistake. They will use any inconsistency in your story to devalue or deny your claim. Your attorney will ensure you go to court well-prepared. They will tell you what you should say and when to say it. When you are prepared for the possible questions before the start of the hearing, you can easily answer them with confidence, which makes it easier to prove your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits.
A workplace injury can significantly affect many aspects of your life including your ability to go to work and earn an income. Plus, you may face a lot of challenges as you try to get compensated for the losses you have sustained. A workers’ comp hearing in Bon Air, Virginia lets you seek the benefits the insurance company may have denied you. Also, they will ensure you take the proper right steps before your workers’ comp hearing, so you don’t make mistakes that can ruin your appeal.