Were you injured at work and feel that you’re fighting an uphill battle?
You are not alone. Workers injuries occur daily and most workers try to deal with the claim themselves. That is a mistake.
Hiring the right attorney can:
- Boost your final settlement amount
- Protect your benefits from being cut off early
- Help you secure a permanent partial disability rating
Here is exactly why an attorney can strengthen your case…
What you’ll discover:
- The Reality Of Workplace Injury Claims
- Why Insurance Companies Push Back
- How An Attorney Strengthens A Permanent Partial Disability Case
- The Biggest Mistakes Injured Workers Make
The Reality Of Workplace Injury Claims
Workplace injuries continue to plague America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employers in private industry had 2.5 million cases of nonfatal employee injuries and illnesses in 2024. 2.5 million Americans that were put through the struggle of filing a claim and missing work to fight for benefits.
And the harsh truth?
A large portion of those workers will suffer permanent disabilities. Some will have permanent partial disability ratings that will impact their earning capacity.
That is where it starts to get messy. Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and each state treats them differently. If you reside in Virginia and were injured at work, you should know precisely how Virginia deals with permanent partial disability ratings, wage replacement, and medical treatment under workers compensation in Virginia. Each detail matters and one slight deviation can cost you thousands.
An experienced lawyer understands the system. They know what evidence to collect and how to respond when an insurance company attempts to low-ball you.
Why Insurance Companies Push Back
Here is something most people do not realise…
Insurance companies don’t have your back. They are there to make a profit. They are not there to write you a fat cheque. Every dollar they write you reduces their bottom line.
So what do they do? They push back. Hard.
Common tactics include:
- Completely denying your claim: They may claim your injury was not work related or pre-existing
- Dragging out the process: Hoping you’ll give up or accept a low offer
- Sending you to “their” doctor: Their doctor usually provides a significantly lower impairment rating
- Cutting you off early: Stopping your benefits before you’ve reached MMI
Sounds frustrating? It is.
That’s why injured workers often need an advocate on their side. The insurance company has lawyers, adjusters, and doctors working to minimize your payout. You need someone on your side fighting for you.
How An Attorney Strengthens A Permanent Partial Disability Case
Permanent partial disability is probably the most litigated area of workers’ comp. Why? Because the rating dictates how much money you get.
A few percentage points in your impairment rating can equal tens of thousands of dollars.
Here is the breakdown…
Permanent partial disability rating is expressed as a percentage of how much your injury affects your ability to work. The higher the rating, the greater number of weeks you get paid. Approximately 19 states use an impairment-based approach to determine unscheduled permanent partial disability. The remaining states use a system that considers loss of earning capacity.
Here is where an attorney makes a huge difference:
Getting The Right Medical Evidence
Your case lives or dies on medical evidence. A skilled attorney will:
- Send you to doctors who are fair and thorough
- Push for second opinions when needed
- Make sure all your symptoms are properly documented
- Challenge any low ratings from the insurance company’s doctor
The right medical report can double or triple your final award.
Calculating The Full Value Of Your Claim
The majority of injured workers have no clue how much their permanent partial disability claim is worth. They accpt whatever the insurance company tells them.
A good attorney will calculate:
- Lost wages now and in the future
- Medical treatment costs (including future care)
- Vocational rehabilitation needs
- The full value of your impairment rating
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Insurance companies ALMOST NEVER make a reasonable first offer. They are gambling that you will accept it.
A smart attorney understands what your case is worth and will fight hard for you. They’ve settled hundreds of cases like yours and know when to settle and when to push back firmly.
The Biggest Mistakes Injured Workers Make
Good cases have been lost because of rookie errors. Learn from these BIGGEST mistakes…
Waiting Too Long To File
Every state has statutes of limitations. If you miss the deadline, your claim will be denied regardless of its merits. File now.
Skipping Doctor Appointments
Insurance companies love missed appointments. They use them as proof your injury isn’t severe. Don’t miss ANY appointments.
Posting On Social Media
You would be amazed at how many cases are ruined by social media posts. That picture of you smiling at a family function can be used to prove you are not hurt.
Settling Too Soon
This is the biggest one.
Many hurt workers worry about finances and take the first offer. However, when you settle that is final. You can’t go back and ask for more if you get worse. A permanent partial disability case should be reviewed VERY carefully.
Trying To Handle It Alone
Workers compensation laws are purposely written to be very confusing. Insurance companies hope workers will not know their rights.
Statistics prove it as well. Exertion/stress is still the number 1 cause of significant nonfatal injuries with 999,730 cases that required days away from work or job restriction in 2023-2024. Many of these employees end up with a fraction of what they deserve because they weren’t represented by an attorney.
Final Thoughts
An injury at work can change your life in an instant. One day can result in months of recovery, tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and a lifetime partial disability.
The good news? You do not have to face it alone.
One of the best investments you can make is hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. They understand how the system works. They are familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies, and they know how to develop a strong case on your behalf.
To quickly recap, an attorney can:
- Gather the right medical evidence to support your impairment rating
- Calculate the true value of your permanent partial disability claim
- Push back against insurance company tactics
- Negotiate a fair settlement that covers your future needs
- Help you avoid common mistakes that destroy good cases
The fees associated with not having a lawyer are typically far greater than the fees associated with hiring one. Most workers’ comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis (they don’t get paid unless you win).
So if you’ve been injured at work, don’t try and take it on by yourself.
