There are certainly reasons to call workers comp attorneys, but there are also reasons not to call them
Most people know when to call a workers comp attorney: When you’re injured on the job and are denied workers compensation funds. If your claim is legitimate and documented,
a good workers comp attorney can help you receive the funding that is legally yours. However, keep in mind that these legal professionals are still bound by the law; as such, if they know that your claims are fraudulent, they are responsible to report the crime. If they, instead, help you in your scheme, they are responsible for being accomplices to illegal activity. For a lawyer, that can mean the end of a career. For you, that can mean jail. So if any of the following are true of you, do yourself a favor, and do not call an attorney.
Don’t call if your claim is wholly fabricated.
It doesn’t really matter if your cousin is a crooked doctor who signed off on your supposed injury. Such fraud will probably be found out, in the end, so if you’re being dishonest, do not get the law involved; you could spend time in jail, with your favorite cousin.
Don’t call if you’re just trying to get a pay check without doing work.
A past history of this kind of behavior can quickly identify your fraud. Many crooked workers make bogus workers compensation claims out of laziness or greed. Perhaps they want an extra paid vacation or to take on work for which they’re paid “under the table.” If you’re well enough to travel and to work for cash, you’re well enough to do your normal job.
Don’t call if you were hurt before you went to work.
It may be difficult to prove exactly how and when an injury occurred. But workers comp policies usually require supervisors to fill out paperwork immediately after a supposed incident occurs. If you fell off a ladder while working on your roof, at home, and sprain your ankle, and then twist it while going up the stairs at work, it isn’t a legitimate claim. Neither is it legit if an old injury or preexisting condition is re-awakened by your workplace activity.
Don’t call if you just want extra time off or like to exaggerate.
Sometimes people with legitimate claims to workers compensation take advantage of their situation. Sometimes they inflate a minor injury in order to collect more money without working, for longer. In fact, you should return to work as soon as you are safely able to do your job, again.
For all the reasons not to call a workers comp attorney there are reasons you should definitely call. Not only do real injuries occur on job sites every day, but sometimes business owners fail to buy the workers-comp insurance required by law, or at least fewer policies than they should buy or at lower rates. Such insurance premium scams are both illegal and shameful, and everyone shares in paying the price. If you know about fraudulent practices regarding workers comp or are being denied a legitimate claim, you should call a workers comp attorney.
