lost the sight in my eye at work, do i need to hire a attorney, even though workers comp is paying my bill?
I got hurt on the job, Had a detached Retina, after they did the operation, I cant see out of it. They have been paying me while im off work and have paid all the doctor bills, now they are going to do a impairiment rating on my eye, should I hire a Attorney on this.
consult first, they take 33 1/3 of your settlement
You are covered under Workers Comp which has a schedule of benefits payable for different losses (fingers, limbs, eyesight, etc). You might be able to get information from the Workers Comp website: http://www.workcompresearch.com/
It seems that you are getting no argument from your employer or workers comp about your injury or eligibility. If this continues to be the case, you may not need an attorney. Workers comp pays very specific amounts depending on the injury, so you will be limited to this amount, with or without an lawyer. As long as your employer is not trying to deny your claim, you may not need an attorney. I would talk to one before you make any settlement, however.
Different attorneys charge different fees for their services. You can shop around for an attorney who might be able to help without taking a large commission or fee. But, be careful that you find a lawyer who is experienced in workers comp issues. Talk to a number of attorneys before you make any agreement (verbal or written) with any of them. Tell them you are interviewing several firms before you make a decision. You might also ask, “I’m being offered $X for a settlement. If you help me, can I expect to get more? Would I end up with more than this amount in my pocket after I pay your percentage fees for services?”
Best of luck to you.
Well if you haven’t had problems with the adjuster with the insurance company I don’t think you will need one. Have the impairment rating first and see what rating you get for that one eye. If you don’t agree with the rating than you can always appeal the rating and a hearings officer or a state exam will review and examine you.
The only risk to it is that if you have 80% impairment in one eye and you appeal it and lose and they knock it down to 50%, than you owe the insurance company 30% which is a lot of money.
Now if you think you are vocational eligible and you got denied than you can always consult an attorney to see if you got a case. Just remember, the attorney can take up to a 3rd of your future awards.
Good luck
ALL atty fees in WC are approved by the court. The carrier cannot
pay the atty without the judges order. FEW if any attys take a
third of the award. In some states, attys fees are based on amounts
secured AFTER the first offer. So the info you are seeing here is
not entirely accurate. Also, if you are rated at 80%PPD to your
eye, they are NOT going to pay the indemnity before the rating is
final. Either side can dispute a PPD rating. Therefore, you would
NOT be in a position to have to pay back any money. WC laws are
state specific… find yours here.. and get busy reading about
injuries, benefits, awards for indemnity, and settlements. Some
states offer assistance to IW’s through the WC commission.