It should be easy for injured employees to obtain workers’ compensation benefits following a work-related injury, but unfortunately, it’s not. Injured employees are typically under a great deal of stress, so figuring out how to file a claim and protect their rights can be overwhelming. If you are in this situation, you have the option of turning to the Workers’ Compensation Commission Counselor Program for assistance.
What is the Workers’ Compensation Commission Counselor Program?
The Workers’ Compensation Commission Counselor Program was established to help injured workers through every step of the process of securing benefits. These counselors are well-versed in workers’ compensation law, so they can answer your questions and address your concerns after a workplace injury. They can also explain how the process of recovering benefits works, so you know exactly what steps to take to receive compensation.
You don’t need to hire the counselors in order to seek their advice. The service is free to anyone who is not being represented by an attorney.
Working With A Counselor vs. Hiring An Attorney
If you have sustained a workplace injury, you have the option of either seeking advice from a counselor or seeking legal representation from a workers’ compensation attorney. The former may seem like the best choice since it’s a free service, but that’s not necessarily true.
The counselors in this program are trained to provide information on the workers’ compensation law and process of recovering benefits. However, these counselors cannot provide legal advice. A counselor will not be able to interpret the law and explain how it applies to your unique situation, but an attorney can.
Basically, a counselor will provide you with the same information you can find online, whereas an attorney will do this and much more. An attorney will review the details of your case and determine the most effective strategy to use to secure compensation on your behalf. Attorneys can analyze medical records, interview witnesses, aggressively negotiate with the employer’s insurance company, represent you at hearings, and protect your rights every step of the way.
There are no guarantees in workers’ compensation cases. But, if you want to reach the best possible outcome in your case, it’s wise to hire an attorney instead of relying on these counselors.
Have you been injured at work? If so, contact Armstrong & Vaught, P.L.C. at once. Our experienced attorneys are passionate about helping injured workers secure the temporary and permanent disability benefits they need to move forward. Call us at (918) 582-2500 or toll-free at (800) 722-8880 or complete the simple form below for a free consultation with a skilled attorney.