When you get hurt at work, you expect your workers’ compensation award to help you with those expenses. Sometimes an insurer just won’t cooperate though, and you end up getting an offer that doesn’t even come close to making up for what you have experienced. That’s when it’s time to talk to a San Antonio, Texas work injury lawyer who can help you push for a more robust settlement that can help you deal with medical expenses, job training costs, and anything else that pops up.
Can I Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Award?
Yes, this is the next step after being asked to accept an insufficient offer. The insurer might try to pressure you by acting like you have to accept their offer right away or claiming that you would never get this much under any other circumstances. They may even try to guilt you by telling you that your workplace or coworkers could be adversely affected if you were given a bigger settlement.
Do not give in. Talk to a lawyer and get ready to appeal this decision.
Why Would I Be Offered a Low Workers’ Compensation Award?
Insurers might offer a low workers’ compensation award for a few reasons. Obviously, they are not in the business of giving out money, so trying to reduce the potential financial damage of every claim is a top priority. They might also:
- Blame a pre-existing condition for your injuries
- Claim that your injuries are not actually that serious
- Dismiss the evidence you provided with your claim
It can be tough to negotiate with an insurer, but our lawyers have plenty of experience in this department.
Can I File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The workers’ compensation system is there to prevent workers from suing their employers directly, but there are times when filing a third-party injury claim is an option. You may be able to sue when:
- Your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance
- Someone else was negligent and contributed to your injuries
A good example of the latter would be if you got hurt at work, but it was because of faulty equipment. You can seek a workers’ compensation award and sue the manufacturer of the defective equipment in a separate claim.
Do I Really Need a Lawyer?
We recommend having a lawyer for a few reasons. A lawyer can:
- Help you with the appeal, which requires evidence and functions a lot like a hearing
- Negotiate with the insurer on your behalf
- Explore all of your legal options with you, including third-party injury claims
If you’re serious about getting a fair settlement, an seasoned and knowledgeable lawyer can do a lot to assist you.
Contact Our Firm Today
So if you believe that your workers’ compensation award is not nearly enough to make you whole, don’t just accept that lowball offer. Instead, contact Sahadi Legal Group and ask to schedule a consultation with our team. We can help you fight for a better settlement.
