We get calls all the time from folks who have suffered work injuries over a year ago, but never contacted an attorney. The number one mistake being made by many of these claimants is not calling an experienced attorney right away. An attorney who handles workers’ comp cases, day in and day out, will be able to ensure that his client’s case is set-up for success from the very beginning.

One example of an issue an experienced attorney can make sure is correct, from day one, is the average weekly wage (AWW). This number is supposed to represent how much an individual makes in the average week. Down the road, this number is a huge part of a settlement or award. Often, someone without an attorney will be stuck with a low number because the insurance company will use a simple average of weekly pay for the last 52 weeks. However, this isn’t always accurate. For instance, if someone is out sick without pay for two weeks or took an unpaid vacation, then that number will be much lower than the true average pay amount. This is just one way that the insurance company can lower your AWW. Only by calling an experienced attorney can you be confident that you are being paid fairly.

Another issue that must be addressed as soon as possible after a work injury, is establishing the correct body parts. This seems like an issue that you shouldn’t need to worry about, but we see cases all the time where someone is trying to get treatment for a body part they hurt at work a year or more after the injury but the insurance company won't pay. Since it was never added into his/her case in the beginning, the insurance company won’t pay. Sometimes this issue stems from doctors’ offices not sending in their medical reports to the Workers’ Compensation Board. In other cases, a claimant will “tough it out” and not seek treatment right away for something they think is minor. An experienced attorney can provide the right advice and work to ensure that the insurance company is required to pay for all related body parts.

Don’t let yourself or a loved one make a huge mistake with their workers compensation case, their health, or their livelihood. Call an experienced attorney right away after an injury, don’t wait!