In terms of legal cases, it would appear that those involving workers' compensation are on the easier end of the spectrum. After all, if you're injured at work and all signs point to the incident being the fault of your employer — the case is closed, right? Yet, the road to compensation is often less direct.
Everything Is in the Details
One reason that these cases are not always as open-and-shut as anticipated is that the details matter, a lot. Take someone who falls at work and suffers a broken leg. You can also note that the person consumed alcohol the night before they arrived at work.
The presence of alcohol in the employee's system is a detail that can change everything, including a reduced settlement due to partial fault or negligence since the employer could argue that the alcohol may have affected the person's ability to function. It is critical to understand how even small details can have a big impact.
Employers Have Rights Too
As a victim, it is easy to focus solely on your needs, and to do so is okay. However, you cannot overlook the fact that the employer has rights as well. One mistake that some people make when they handle these cases on their own is that they head to social media to air their grievances.
People might list the type of injury they sustained and even ascertain what they believe the missteps of their employer are in the process. This step is a mistake that could violate an employer's right to privacy during litigation, which could jeopardize your case. It is important to have someone on your side that understands every aspect of the law.
It Is About the Best Interest of the Company
When you have worked with a company for a long time, it is easy to believe that they have your best interest at heart. For example, an employer might tell a victim that they do not need to worry about hiring an attorney, as they will take care of them.
The reality is often far from this statement because the main goal of the company is to always protect its best interest. It is not unheard of for employees to face unfair settlements or denials when they take this course of action.
You should never approach a workers' compensation case without your own representation. Speak with a workers' compensation attorney to learn how you can ensure that you are covered and safeguarded during this process.