Are You Thinking About Hiring An Attorney?
After an injury, it may be difficult to decide whether or not you need an attorney, or what the best resource might be for advice. Talking to an attorney can be intimidating, and at times, you may even think that hiring an attorney can impact your employment or cost you a lot of money.
Perhaps talking to a registered Qualified Rehabilitation Counselor (QRC) can help. While we want to make it clear that you cannot receive legal advice by talking to a QRC, you can discuss issues relating to your injury, work restrictions, and even how to approach your employer to make sure that you return to work safely. A QRC can review your file, discuss your medical treatment plan and help you understand what to expect during your treatment. These initial discussions can occur casually with a phone call and there is never any cost to you.
When You Might Need A Lawyer:
While a QRC can guide you through the worker’s compensation and injury process, there are times you may need to speak with an attorney.
- Your claim has been denied, or benefits are being significantly delayed.
- Your employer tells you they are not turning your injury into the insurance company, or there is a dispute about the severity of your injury.
- You are facing retaliation or you feel you may lose your job because you have reported your injury.
A QRC May Suggest Options For Legal Representation:
If you feel you need an attorney, PAR, Inc. has resources that you can trust. Our office will discuss your injury and if you want to talk to an attorney we can certainly discuss options that we hope will best suit your needs. At PAR, Inc. we think it is important for the attorney to work closely with you and a QRC if QRC services are being recommended. Ultimately the decision of choosing an attorney will be yours.
Should You Speak With A QRC First?:
There are times you will need a legal representative and there are times you may just want to talk to someone about your injury, and how it will impact your employment. A QRC can discuss general questions within the worker’s compensation process, but a QRC cannot give any specific legal advice. Resources including doctors, light duty return to work efforts, being asked to work outside of your restrictions, and how to handle communication with your employer are all issues that a QRC can discuss with you. It is also important to note that QRC services are offered as part of the worker’s compensation statute, and are absolutely free to every injured worker.
Remember that having a consultation does not necessarily mean that you will be working with a QRC. That will be up to you, and many factors including your relationship with your employer can impact your ultimate decision whether to have a QRC, or an attorney involved.
The goal of every conversation should focus on what is best for you, your medical recovery and your future.
