Workers’ compensation in DC may look simple on the surface. But many injured workers are met with rejected claims, slow responses, or settlement offers that don’t cover their real costs. Knowing your rights and when to let a skilled workers’ comp lawyer in DC take charge can protect you from losing the support you deserve.
Why DC Workers’ Comp Claims Can Be Challenging
Getting hurt at work is overwhelming for a lot of reasons. You may be worried about medical expenses, lost wages, and just the hassle of recovering from an injury. You’ll also have to consider the workers’ compensation process to make sure you get the benefits you deserve. Many people think this is simple and they can just handle it on their own, but the process can be confusing and frustrating at times. Here’s how it can become complicated:
You Must Act Quickly
Workers’ compensation law in DC is strict about when injuries must be reported and when claims have to be filed. If you get hurt at work, you’re required to notify your employer as soon as possible, and definitively within 30 days. This notice must be done in writing.
Then, when it comes to filing a workers’ comp claim, you face another limit. There are deadlines on how long you have to file your claim.
Between these two deadlines and dealing with your injuries, it can get overwhelming. When you work with a Washington DC work injury lawyer, they can help you notify your employer and make sure your case is filed within the appropriate timeframe.
Filing Claims
Washington, DC has exact rules about how you bring your claim. The paperwork must be completed accurately and contain all the right details. Using the wrong form or leaving out information can send you back to square one, or worse, lead to your claim being denied. People unfamiliar with the forms often find these steps confusing and overwhelming.
Calculating Average Weekly Wage
Benefits in DC are based on your average weekly wage. If this gets calculated wrong, you might miss out on money you deserve. Problems can happen especially when someone doesn’t work set hours, has a second job, or gets paid overtime.
Insurance companies may use a lower figure during an initial calculation, and if that isn’t a true reflection of your wages, then you won’t get what you’re entitled to. Your Washington DC workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure this number is accurate from the start, and can push back against insurers if they try to calculate it at a rate that is too low.
Completing and managing a workers’ compensation claim in DC involves more than paperwork. You have to stay on top of deadlines, understand exactly how to report your injuries, and make sure your wages are calculated correctly through every step. The best way to do this is to speak with a worker’s compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
You Only Pay Us if We Get Money For You
Many people are hesitant to hire a lawyer because they’re worried about coming up with money for one. The good news is you don’t have to think about this. We handle your case for you on a contingency fee basis and only receive legal fees if we recover money on your behalf – our payment comes out of that, and never directly out of your pocket or up front. If you’re ready to learn more about the benefits you could be entitled to, reach out to our team today to schedule a free consultation.