When you suffer a work injury that leaves you permanently disabled, it is important that you get the full benefits you deserve through workers’ compensation. Disability benefits can help you to support yourself and your family, even when your disabling condition stops you from working or limits the amount of money you can earn.
Permanent disability benefits should begin when you reach maximum medical improvement. Temporary disability benefits you were receiving will end, and your permanent benefits will begin. The amount of benefits you receive and the duration of your benefits will depend upon circumstances including the extent of your disability, that is why it is important that you understand what your rights are and ensure you get all of the benefits that you are entitled to.
The Law Offices of Mark C. Wagner can help. A workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can assist you throughout the process of obtaining permanent disability benefits and can help you to fight to ensure you get the full amount of money you deserve. Disagreements are common and insurers often do not want to pay what you’re entitled to, so you should reach out to our legal team as soon as possible so you’ll have a compassionate and knowledgeable advocate on your side.
Workers who are permanently disabled after a work injury may be entitled to benefits whether their disability is a total disability or a partial one. When a treating doctor certifies that you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, an assessment is made of the level of impairment. This assessment will determine eligibility for permanent disability benefits and the extent of benefits received.
Many different conditions can qualify you for permanent disability benefits, including the loss of a limb or permanent blindness, even if you still have many of your abilities. If you have been affected in a permanent way because of your work injury, it is important to explore your options for benefits because insurers may try to offer you nothing at all or may try to offer you less than your injuries are worth – even when the law says you are entitled to benefits.
Workers’ compensation insurers also frequently require those applying for permanent disability benefits to undergo an independent medical examination. There may be disputes regarding how impaired you are or whether further improvement is possible. Because conflicts are common and a substantial amount of money is at stake, it’s important you have an attorney advising you during this process.
Disputes can be resolved through legal proceedings and settlement is common. If a settlement agreement can be reached, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment of benefits – but you need to ensure the settlement is truly fair to you and that you are getting what you deserve. If a dispute does arise, being prepared to prove the extent of your injuries is key to maximizing the benefits you receive.
A workers’ compensation lawyer at The Law Offices of Mark C. Wagner will work closely with you to determine what benefits you are entitled to and to help you navigate the process, including preparing for an independent medical examination.
We can also provide assistance in negotiating a lump sum payment or otherwise fighting for the maximum in benefits if there is a conflict with the insurer over the extent of your disability or your entitlement to benefits.
Our firm is different than other workers’ compensation firms because our focus is on listening to and meeting the unique needs of every client. We want to understand your story and help you to move forward after your injuries in the manner most likely to help you accomplish your goals for the future. To find out more about how a workers’ compensation lawyer at our firm can help you, give us a call today.