Best Workers Compensation Attorneys in South Bend

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in South Bend, Indiana?

  To contact the local police department in South Bend for a non-emergency report, you have to reach the number 574-235-9201.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in South Bend, Indiana?

  To obtain a police incident report for your case in South Bend, you need to provide details about the incident and submit the request in person at the city's Records Bureau located at 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, IN 46601. The bureau's contact number is 574-235-9201.

• What's the cost of hiring a South Bend workers' compensation attorney?

  Knowing the cost is essential to hire workers' compensation in South Bend. The Worker's Compensation Board sets the fee for a worker's compensation attorney. It is a percentage, typically 20%, of the amount of money recovered. All attorneys in Indiana state charge the same fee structure, with no up-front fees or hourly charges. Prospective clients can have a free initial telephone consultation to discuss their case.

• Can you still be paid if you miss work in South Bend due to medical appointments?

  Yes. If your injury is covered by worker's compensation in South Bend and appointments such as medical treatment causes you to miss work time, your employer should still pay you. However, the worker's compensation insurance company is not obligated to pay. If you need help getting paid for missed work due to medical appointments, you should consult an attorney.

• What should you know about the workers' compensation law in South Bend?

  Under Indiana law, workers in South Bend who get injured at their workplace are entitled to workers' compensation benefits. This law covers necessary medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, permanent disability, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. Workers' compensation is a no-fault system. So, a person only needs to prove that the injury occurred in and during their employment. Legal assistance may be necessary to navigate the claims process and recover possible claims.

• What steps do you take when the insurer is unresponsive to your calls concerning your workers' compensation claim in South Bend?

  According to Indiana law, if the insurer is unresponsive to your calls regarding your workers' compensation claim in South Bend, you can file a special claim with the Worker's Compensation Board to seek additional damages for this neglect. You must not tolerate any excuse from the adjuster for ignoring your case.

• Do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit instead of a workers' compensation claim when you get injured in South Bend?

  Sometimes, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party if you're injured at work in South Bend, providing you with more compensation than workers' personal injury benefits. Depending on the injury's severity, there may be a limit to the time your employer's insurance pays you. So, it's better to talk to an experienced attorney about your case to decide what legal action is best for you.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.