Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to provide medical care and wage replacement benefits to employees who suffer injuries or illnesses directly arising from and in the course of their employment, regardless of fault. This crucial safety net is intended to protect workers from the financial devastating impact of workplace injuries. However, navigating the workers’ comp system can be incredibly complex, often involving bureaucratic hurdles, insurance company disputes, and detailed legal requirements. At the Law Office of Lawrence Keitt, we are dedicated to helping injured workers secure the full benefits they are entitled to, providing compassionate and expert legal representation throughout the entire claims process.

If you have suffered a workplace injury or developed an occupational illness, understanding your rights and the steps you need to take is paramount. The first critical step is to report your injury to your employer immediately, typically within a very short timeframe prescribed by state law. Delaying this report can jeopardize your claim. Seeking immediate medical attention for your injury is also vital, not only for your health but also to create an official record of your injury and its connection to your work. From there, the formal claims process begins, which can quickly become overwhelming without experienced legal guidance.

Workers’ comp benefits generally fall into several categories:

• Medical Treatment: This covers all necessary and reasonable medical care related to your work injury, including doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, physical therapy, and even surgery. The goal is to facilitate your recovery and return to work.
• Temporary Disability Benefits: If your injury prevents you from working for a period, these benefits provide a portion of your lost wages (typically two-thirds of your average weekly wage) during your recovery period.
• Permanent Disability Benefits: If your injury results in a permanent impairment that affects your ability to work, you may be entitled to permanent disability benefits, which are calculated based on the severity of your impairment and other factors.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: In some cases, if you cannot return to your previous job due to your injury, workers’ comp may cover job retraining or assistance with finding new employment.
• Death Benefits: In the tragic event of a work-related death, benefits may be paid to surviving dependents.

One of the most common challenges in workers’ comp cases involves disputes with the employer’s insurance company. Insurance carriers often try to deny claims, minimize the extent of injuries, dispute the need for certain medical treatments, or prematurely terminate benefits. They may argue that the injury was not work-related, that a pre-existing condition is the cause, or that the worker has recovered sufficiently to return to work. These tactics can leave injured workers feeling frustrated, financially insecure, and without access to the care they desperately need. This is where the expertise of a dedicated workers’ comp attorney becomes invaluable.

The Law Office of Lawrence Keitt stands as a staunch advocate for injured workers. We meticulously gather all necessary medical evidence, employment records, and witness statements to build a strong case. We handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring your rights are protected and that you are not pressured into accepting a lowball settlement. We represent clients in all stages of the workers’ compensation process, including filing initial claims, appealing denied claims, attending hearings before administrative law judges, and negotiating fair settlements. Our firm ensures that you receive the appropriate medical treatment, that your temporary disability benefits are correctly calculated and paid, and that any permanent disability is properly evaluated and compensated.

Lawrence Keitt is committed to alleviating the stress and financial burden that a workplace injury can impose. We work tirelessly to ensure that you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Our deep understanding of workers’ comp laws allows us to anticipate challenges and develop effective strategies to overcome them, maximizing the benefits you receive. Don’t let a workplace injury compromise your health, your financial stability, or your future.

If you’ve been injured at work, don’t face the complex workers’ comp system alone. Contact the Law Office of Lawrence Keitt today for a free, confidential consultation. Let us put our experience and dedication to work for you, fighting for the justice and comprehensive benefits you deserve to help you get back on your feet.