The Role of an Attorney in a San Antonio Work Injury Case
San Antonians may not think about getting injured when they leave for work in the morning, but many may face unknown hazards. More than 330,000 jobs in San Antonio are in high-risk industries like manufacturing, construction, and transportation. Even workers in education and health services may chance a nonfatal injury or illness at their jobs.
Most companies in Texas have workers’ compensation insurance to cover an employee’s injuries and lost wages after a workplace accident. Workers often make the mistake of trying to handle their workers’ compensation claims alone. However, a San Antonio TX personal injury lawyer offers many benefits after a work injury, including the potential for higher compensation.
Provide an Initial Claim AssessmentAfter a work accident, you may be unsure what to do first. Rest assured, your attorney will know. Many firms, including the San Antonio TX work injury lawyers at Carabin Shaw, offer free case reviews to determine the validity of your claim and the damages you might be entitled to receive. Our team looks at the details of your case, including the condition of the worksite, the equipment you used, and others on the site that might have contributed to the accident.
Collect Essential Evidence to Support Your ClaimEmployers and workers’ comp insurers may dispute your claim, saying your injury doesn’t meet the insurance requirements or existed before the accident. Your attorney will build your San Antonio work injury case by collecting evidence like medical records, witness testimony, and workplace records and safety procedures. Evidence must be collected right after the accident so documents don’t get lost and witnesses remember the details. If you’ve been injured, contact Carabin Shaw now at 800-862-1260.
Negotiate With Workers’ Compensation CompaniesWorkers’ comp insurance companies have their legal teams to protect their interests. If you try negotiating with the insurance without representation, you will be at a definite disadvantage. You need legal professionals to protect your rights and maximize your compensation. The damages you receive will help you recover and keep your bills paid. Check reviews for your chosen attorney to see if previous clients were satisfied with their compensation.
Account for All Your DamagesAfter an accident, it can be challenging to know how much compensation you should seek. You may not realize the severity of your injury at first, and it may be impossible to calculate how much income you might lose during your recovery. Unfortunately, once you receive your compensation, you can’t ask for more if you need additional medical care or time off work.
It’s critical to consider every expense you might incur when you file your workers’ compensation claim. An experienced lawyer will collect the necessary information to calculate a fair settlement that accounts for all your medical bills and lost wages.
Provide Alternatives if Workers’ Comp Is UnavailableTexas does not require private companies to purchase workers’ compensation. However, most businesses have it to cover employees and protect themselves from lawsuits. If workers' comp covers an employee in Texas, the employee can't file a lawsuit against their employer for additional damages. That means your damages will be limited to the amount state law allows.
If your employer doesn't carry workers' compensation, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties. That may be your employer or a third party, like an equipment manufacturer or subcontractor. Personal injury cases require proof that the responsible party was negligent and that negligence contributed to your injuries. Your legal team will collect the evidence to support a negligence claim.
Have You Suffered a Work Accident in Central Texas? Contact Carabin Shaw Now for a Free Case Review!If you are injured at work, don’t assume your employer or workers’ compensation insurance company will offer you a fair settlement. Carabin Shaw offers our services on a contingency-fee basis, so you won’t pay anything until you receive your settlement. We have English- and Spanish-speaking professionals available 24/7 to answer your questions. Contact us toll-free now at 800-862-1260.
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