Workers Compensation Lawyer

Benefits related to work injuries can be a complicated matter that requires action being taken by the employee. When a workers compensation claim is being processed, it may be mishandled by an employer or other entity as a way to hopefully save the company money. This is unfortunate because an employee who was hurt due to the job deserves to receive care as they recover. Sometimes, it takes the intervention from an attorney to ensure that the worker’s rights are protected.

Q: At what point should I call an attorney for help?

A: To sooner you obtain legal representation, the better. An attorney can help prevent your rights from being violated from the start, as it can be more difficult to rewind once the compensation claim has begun processing. The longer you wait, the more time the insurance company and your employ have to influence you into making decisions that are not in your best interest. Do not wait until problems have already developed before seeking legal guidance.

Q: What is the responsible way to handle my work-related injury?

A: Report the injury to your employer right after it happens. If you delay reporting the accident, your employer may try to undermine your story and claim it didn’t actually occur while on the job. After you have reported the injury, get medical treatment if needed. Keep any documentation related to your injuries, including diagnosis, exams, prescription medications, and treatment plans.

Q: If I file a workers’ compensation claim, can I continue to work?

A: Many employees who have been injured can still keep working as long as the tasks don’t violate any physical restrictions deemed by the doctor. You can still work and pursue workers’ comp benefits, such as continued medical care and disability. It is not uncommon for workers to return to the same job they had once they feel better, assuming their employer had not acted in such a way that makes the employee want to find work elsewhere.

Q: What are examples of employer retaliation?

A: Sadly, employer retaliation can happen to employees who have utilized their right to use workers’ compensation benefits. An employer may have been upset at the employee, especially if the injury cost the company a significant amount of money. The employer in response may have acted unlawfully by committing acts like:

• Relocating the employee to another department
• Giving the employee a demotion
• Making threats, harassing, or otherwise creating a hostile environment
• Wrongfully terminating the employee
• Changing job title or removing assigned tasks
• Preventing the employee from receiving a promotion
• Mishandling the workers’ compensation claim in some way

Q: What if my workers’ compensation claim was denied?

A: If a workers comp claim was rejected, the employee has to show how exactly the injury was caused on the job site and that it was due to performing a work-related duty. With help from a workers compensation lawyer Memphis, TN trusts, you can file for an appeal of the insurance company’s verdict within one year after being notified of the denial.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Darrell Castle & Associates, PLLC for their insight into workers compensation and protecting your rights.

Personal Injury Lawyer

When you aren’t feeling well, you go to the doctor to see what exactly is going on. While most doctors give the correct diagnoses, some make mistakes. Making a diagnosis can be quite difficult because many medical conditions have similar symptoms. That means even the most experienced and skilled doctors can get it wrong sometimes. Here are some signs you have been misdiagnosed.

Your Doctor Didn’t Use All the Diagnostic Tools

The majority of medical conditions have an order of tests that a doctor uses to diagnose the illness. If your doctor is following the expected standards of care, he or she should perform all of these tests before determining what you have. If you find out the required tests for your condition online and see that your doctor missed something, you should contact him or her right away.

Your Appointment With the Doctor Was Short

It’s no secret that doctors are busy and have to see many patients in a short time frame. However, your doctor should still take the time to get the necessary information from you to get an accurate diagnosis. He or she should ask about your family’s medical history, the medications you’re currently taking, your symptoms and whether or not you’ve had surgery before. If your doctor didn’t ask you all of these questions, he or she may have made the wrong diagnosis.

Your Medicine Isn’t Working

If your doctor prescribed you a medication to treat an illness and it doesn’t seem to be working, you may have been misdiagnosed. For example, if you actually have celiac disease and your doctor gives you medication for irritable bowel syndrome, it won’t do anything to help your symptoms.

Your Symptoms Are Common With More Than One Medication Condition

There are many medical conditions out there that have very similar symptoms. For instance, lupus has many of the same symptoms as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. If your symptoms are common with several other conditions, it’s possible that your doctor misdiagnosed you.

What To Do If You Receive the Wrong Diagnosis

If you believe that your doctor gave you the wrong diagnosis, you should speak to a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Medical malpractice claims are very complex and you shouldn’t try to tackle it on your own. In order to have a successful medical malpractice case, you don’t just have to show that your doctor made the wrong diagnosis. You also have to prove that the misdiagnosis caused you harm. For example, if the misdiagnosis exposed you to a more aggressive treatment than what would have been required if the right diagnosis was made earlier, you will have a stronger claim.

An experienced medical malpractice attorney Naperville, IL trusts can help you gather necessary evidence, identify witnesses and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf. The majority of medical malpractice attorneys offer free initial consultations, so you have nothing to lose by speaking to one.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at The Law Offices of Konrad Sherinian, LLC for their insight into medical malpractice and misdiagnoses.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Most personal injury attorneys offer free consultations, however, not every personal injury case is taken by a law firm. No matter the information you learned during your consultation, attorneys have several reasons to refuse to take your case. Although you feel like you may have a case on your hands, all cases should not be pursued and can lead to more stress than relief at an already difficult time. When you speak with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney for the first time, they are able to analyze the information you provide and decide whether taking on the case is worth in it the long haul. Some times they are wrong, most times they are right. There are a plethora of reasons an attorney may refuse you as a client.

Little or no serious injuries. It is best to pursue a personal injury claim, not because you were hurt but because you are suffering. If you suffered minor injuries and can be rehabilitated with little work, it can be dismissed by opposing parties and time would have been wasted.

Statute of Limitations. Every state has stature of limitations for when a personal injury claim can be filed. If you are coming up to your deadline, there may not be enough time for an attorney to take on your case and settle, and possibly make it even harder to win.

Unable to determine who is liable. If an attorney does not know who is at fault, who will be served? Who will pay for your medical expenses. If there is no clear liability, you have no one to file a claim against.

Too many details. Some things are just not worth the hassle. If there too man contingencies, there is too much room for error and too much work for nothing.

You are at fault. If an attorney feels the financial compensation will be worth the time put into the case due to the fact that you are partially at fault and will likely receive very little, they may decline.

Other attorneys have declined. If you admit that you have spoken to other attorney’s and were turned down, the attorney may wonder that even though he or she can possibly take your case, why did other experienced attorneys say “no”?

There are several reasons a personal injury attorney Atlanta, Georgia trusts may decline your case, the only way to know is by speaking with one immediately so that you know what they next step may be for you.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Andrew R. Lynch, P.C. for their insight into personal injury claims and reasons a lawyer may not take on your case.

Criminal Lawyers

In the majority of states, a driving while intoxicated (DWI) conviction may remain on your record for up to a decade. Being arrested for a DWI is a very serious offense, that can come along with several ramifications. Statistically, more than a million drivers are arrested for driving while impaired by alcohol every single year. Those who have found themselves in handcuffs and now face a DWI charge, may want to hire a lawyer immediately for advice and protection. Sometimes, the person who committed a simple misjudgement, may not deserve to endure the heavy-handed punishments of a criminal court judge.

Q: What are the consequences for a DWI conviction?

A: A person who is arrested for driving while intoxicated, may have his or her life flipped upside down. The accused may have certain privileges revoked, endure financial hardships, and loss of freedom. The repercussions for a DWI conviction depend on various factors, including whether anyone was hurt, property was damaged, if the accused has a criminal history, and how much alcohol was in his or her system. Examples of potential ramifications for a DWI charge can involve:

• Conviction remaining on record for 5-10 years or for life (depending on what state you live in)
• Tarnished reputation among friends, family, employer, and community
• Having to serve community service hours
• Paying substantial fines, penalties, and court fees
• Increased insurance rates
• Challenges finding employment opportunities
• Time spent in jail

Q: Does each state have its own laws pertaining to DWI offenses?

A: Yes, not all states are the same when it comes to processing a DWI offense and what repercussions are to be served for the wrongdoing. Perhaps the most resourceful way to find out what laws pertain to your situation, is to ask for help from a criminal defense lawyer in your area. A lawyer can offer information as well as represent you during the court trial. In general, here are some facts to consider when learning about your state laws:

• Many states use a point system to track your driving habits, and once you have enough you may be at-risk for a suspended license
• Insurance companies also use their own internal point system when pricing how much you pay in monthly or yearly car insurance premiums
• Some states give points to offenses related to intoxicated driving, while others choose harsher punishments. Instead of points, a state may automatically revoke the person’s license

Q: Is it required that I have a lawyer represent me?

A: While it may not be required that you have a lawyer represent you, it may be a good idea. The average person does not understand the complexity and inner workings of the justice system. Being arrested and facing a criminal conviction can be terrifying enough, so walking into the courtroom to talk to the judge without a legal professional to support you can be a dizzying experience. A DWI lawyer Fairfax, VA offers can help devise a strategy in hopes of minimizing your charges, or having the arrest dropped.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Dave Albo – Attorney for their insight into DWI charges and your record.

Work Injury Lawyer

Realtime court reporting can be a beneficial service for many legal professionals, as this enables counsel to watch the proceeding live whether they are in or out of the courtroom. While most legal counsel probably have to attend, others can still be a part of it without being present. Realtime is when the court reporter’s stenotype (or “shorthand”) is immediately converted into language. Just as fast as the court reporter can press a key stroke, is it then translated and available to those who are tuned in. Realtime can be accessed through streaming by participants who are watching remotely.

Not all court reporters may have the equipment to do realtime reporting. Be sure to ask before you hire a court reporter for an upcoming meeting. If you have any additional questions about realtime, you can contact a qualified court reporter in your city.

Why is realtime preferred for many legal professionals?

Realtime is a neat feature that many court reporters can offer, as it enables a legal professional to make notes about what is being said in the courtroom for follow up later on. Additionally, any inconsistencies can be flagged so clarification can occur right away and not disrupt the flow. Legal proceedings can be immensely time-consuming as they are, so realtime can help the deposition keep running smoothly with minimal interruptions.

Can realtime reporting actually help the legal team with the case?

Yes, some realtime softwares offer a messaging feature where the legal team can exchange notes to each other regarding a new strategy or line of questioning, that is entirely confidential. This can result in less or shorter breaks, keeping the proceeding moving at a steady yet efficient pace. You can inquire with a potential court reporter to see if he or she offers this feature for your next meeting, hearing, or deposition.

What is the benefit of being able to remotely stream the proceeding?

There may be situations where a member of the legal team needs to know about the proceeding, but is unable to attend. He or she can then join the realtime streaming, and can still be updated on what is happening while being away.

Does a court reporter have to be skilled to use realtime?

Many court reporters who have realtime capabilities, are skilled in processing information rapidly as well as mastering the technology being utilized. It takes focus, knowledge of the subject matter, and being technologically savvy to offer quality realtime services to legal professionals.

Can it help to send the court reporter legal materials before the proceeding?

A court reporter New York offers may ask a lawyer for case-related terminology or materials before the depositions, so they have more time to prepare and can be as accurate as possible. These materials can be helpful to the court reporter, particularly for depositions in extremely technical matters. A court reporter that is not prepared can end up interfering and making the proceeding take longer by having to ask for clarification repeatedly.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Veritext Legal Solutions for their insight into realtime court reporting.

Slip and Fall Lawyer Elizabeth, NJ

When you visit a friend or acquaintance’s home, you don’t get expect to get injured. Unfortunately, people suffer accidents at other people’s homes all the time. One of the most common types of accidents people endure are slip and falls. Whether they slip and fall on liquid on the floor or broken staircases, it can lead to serious injuries, like broken bones, head injuries and spinal cord injuries. If you suffered a slip and fall accident at someone else’s home, you may be eligible for compensation.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents at Homes

There are many types of dangerous conditions inside and outsides houses that can lead to slip and fall accidents, like:

• Ice on Sidewalks: During the winter, ice can form quickly on sidewalks and increase the risk of slip and falls. That is why it is important for property owners to salt their sidewalks regularly during the cold season. If they fail to do this and another person slip and falls on the ice, they can be held liable for the damages.

• Freshly Mopped Floors: While it may be necessary for homeowners to mop their floors frequently, they can create a tripping hazard. They should warn their guests to stay away from freshly mopped floors so that they can avoid injuries.

• Liquid Spills: Milk and other liquid spills are bound to happen sometimes, especially in a home with little children. However, it is critical for homeowners to wipe up these spills immediately to prevent others from having slip and fall accidents.

• Clutter on Floor: If there are clothes, toys and other items scattered throughout the floor, others can easily trip over them and get hurt. Before guests come over, homeowners should take the time to remove clutter off the floors to avoid any accidents.

When You Can Sue for a Slip and Fall Accident

Homeowners are responsible for being aware of hazardous conditions outside and inside their property and repairing them as soon as possible. They should also warn their guests of dangerous conditions in and outside their homes. If they fail to do this, they may be held responsible for their guests’ injuries.

Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you were hurt in a slip and fall accident at another person’s home, you may want to consult with a skilled personal injury lawyer. He or she can assess the details of your case and determine if you have a good chance of winning compensation or not. During your initial consultation, your lawyer may likely ask you several questions about your case, such as where in the home the slip and fall accident happened and what conditions caused it to occur. If you have any evidence pertaining to your case, like photos or medical records, bring them with you.

Schedule a free consultation with a reputable slip and fall lawyer Elizabeth, NJ relies on at Rispoli & Borneo, P.C. to get your case moving in the right direction.

Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Whether you trip on a broken stair at work and break your wrist, or develop an illness due to being exposed to hazardous chemicals, both types of conditions may be covered by workers’ compensation benefits. The majority of employers have workers’ compensation insurance, for instances when an employee gets hurt or comes down with an illness due to the workplace. In order to receive workers’ benefits, you must be an employee who was accidentally injured while performing a job task, while traveling for the company or during a work-sponsored event.

As an employee, it is important that you know as much as possible about your rights and whether your employer even has this program set in place. Please read on further to find out more about workers’ compensation benefits.

Do I have to report every injury or illness?

Always report to your supervisor or manager when you suffer a work injury or illness. Do not wait until your condition has worsened to report what happened. When informing your boss about the incident, you may have to fill out an incident report and get medical treatment if needed.

Where will I go to get medical treatment?

If your injury is considered an emergency, an ambulance may just take you to the nearest emergency hospital. But in a non-emergency situation, your employer may have you be seen by a pre-assigned doctor. If you go somewhere outside of where your employer tells you to go, your medical care may not be covered.

What if I want to see my own doctor?

Depending on the laws for your state, you may have to been seen by the work-assigned doctor before getting a second opinion with your own physician. If your personal doctor vastly disagrees with the other doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan for your condition, you may want to talk with an attorney. In some cases, the work-assigned doctor may be biased to save your company money through minimizing your condition.

Do I need to tell the hospital staff anything when I arrive?

When you check in for your doctor’s appointment, tell them that your injury or illness happened at work. This is so your medical bills will be sent to your employer or the workers’ compensation company instead, and not you.

What is something to keep in mind during my doctor’s appointment?

Remember that your medical record should include all of your current symptoms. Confirm with the work-assigned doctor that every ache or discomfort you feel was added to the documentation. If an injured body part was not listed during your exam, it may not be covered.

What if my claim was approved but I received less than I need?

If you did not get the coverage required to treat your injury or illness sufficiently, you may want to talk with your employer or even meet with a Lake Worth work injury compensation lawyer about your options. Do not forget, your employer may seem to be on your side, but they may also be pressured to save the company money at all costs.

Thank you to our friends and contributors at the Law Offices of Franks, Koenig and Neuwelt for their insight into workers’ compensation benefits.