Potential clients often ask us whether or not they need an attorney. The short answer to this question is no, injured workers are not required to have an attorney. However, there are 3 key reasons why we believe injured workers should have an attorney.
1. Your Rights – Injured workers need someone on their side. The insurance company will have an attorney representing their rights, so it is important to have someone looking out for your rights. The insurance company does not work for you. In fact, their main goal is to save money. A common misconception is that the insurance company must explain what they are doing to you, but this is not true. The insurance company has no obligation to inform you of your rights or even explain the law to you. Additionally, the Judge does not work for you. While the Judge’s role is to administer justice, the Judge has no obligation to fight for your rights. As claimants’ attorneys, we are on your side and it is our role to see that you receive every benefit you are entitled to under the law.
2. The Paperwork – The Workers’ Compensation system has over 50 forms for injured workers to use for various reasons. In addition to the forms designated for you, there are numerous other forms designated for insurance carriers. If this is not enough, injured workers often receive paperwork from the Workers’ Compensation Board pertaining to their case. This creates a lot of mail and can be very overwhelming for an injured worker simply trying to get better. Also, much of the paperwork can be very difficult to understand. At MCV Law, we help our clients understand the paperwork they receive and help them decipher what is important and what is not.
3. Medical Care – Although most injured workers trust their doctors, many of them are confused by what their doctor is saying in their medical reports. As attorneys, we work to help clarify what is in your medical reports and how it will impact your case. For example, if your doctor has you at 75% temporary disability, he or she is saying something about your ability to return to work.
Although you can Google the law, call the Workers’ Compensation Board, read Blogs, etc., this is not the same as working with a team of dedicated attorneys, client advocates, paralegals, and other important staff that are focused exclusively on representing your interests. Every case is unique and our attorneys strategize, plan, and execute based on the particular facts and circumstances of each case – something the other sources cannot do for you.
Bethany Nicoletti
Email: barliss@mcvlaw.com
Phone: 315-471-1664
Bethany Nicoletti is a graduate of Ithaca College where she earned her B.A. in Communication Studies. She graduated cum laude from University at Buffalo Law School in 2013 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in the Fourth Judicial Department in 2014.
1. Do I have to attend? Yes, the insurance carrier is entitled to have you examined by their doctor. If you do not attend it will harm your case. Your benefits may be stopped, and your treatment and prescriptions suspended.