How Can a Lawyer Help With the Workers' Compensation Process in Washington, D.C.?

If you have been injured because of another person’s negligence, you may be owed significant financial compensation. However, some instances may entitle you to certain benefits even if no one was negligent.  
 
If you have been injured while at work in Washington, D.C., you may be able to secure workers’ compensation benefits. To better understand the workers’ comp lawyer process in Washington, D.C., read on. 
 
The accomplished team at Morgan & Morgan has years of experience helping injured workers recover the money that they are owed. You should not have to bear the burdens resulting from an on-the-job injury alone.
 
Our skilled personal injury attorneys will evaluate your case. We will help you successfully pursue benefits. 

No matter what the nature of your accident or injuries may be, you can pursue workers’ compensation benefits. If you have been denied benefits, our legal team will help you appeal the decision. 

The workers’ compensation application process is complex. Having a legal expert oversee your claim will give you the best chance of securing benefits. 

The specialists at Morgan & Morgan can effectively enact the workers’ comp lawyer process in Washington, D.C. For a no-cost legal consultation, complete the contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website. 

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you have become sick or injured while working, you may have the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits. In some instances, workers’ compensation is the only option available to make employees financially whole.
 
The workers’ compensation system was instituted to provide financial recovery to those who are injured while working. This system also functions to protect employers from injury lawsuits. 
 
When you apply for workers’ compensation, you may receive repayment for lost wages and related-medical costs. You are entitled to these benefits no matter who was at fault for your injury or illness.
 
Employees who file for workers’ compensation benefits relinquish the right to pursue legal action against their employer. In other words, injured employees cannot receive workers’ compensation benefits and pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
 
Workers’ compensation laws differ significantly in different locations throughout the country. If you were injured at work in Washington, D.C., it is vital to speak with a workers’ comp lawyer who is familiar with the relevant statutes and laws.
 
The workers’ comp process in Washington, D.C. requires any business with one or more employees to provide these benefits. In other words, every business that operates in the nation’s capital must carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Workers Comp Lawyer Process in Washington, D.C.: Coverage Examples

Workers’ compensation regulations in Washington, D.C., require businesses to cover certain costs for injured workers. Washington, D.C. businesses must carry insurance that covers the following expenses for injured employees:

Medical Expenses

Medical costs and expenses are some of the primary financial burdens that injured employees face. 

Common examples of medical costs following a workplace injury include:

• ER visits
• Scheduled medical appointments
• Prescribed medication
• Ambulance rides
• Required surgeries
• Physical therapy
• And more

Even minor accidents can result in skyrocketing medical bills for injured employees. Speak with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney at Morgan & Morgan to understand how to get the benefits that you deserve.

Lost Wages and Income

Most businesses are unable to continue paying employees who cannot work because of an illness or injury. Because of this, workers’ compensation in Washington, D.C. will replace much of the lost income and wages for injured employees.
 
Losing income in conjunction with rising medical costs can present an overwhelming burden for injury victims.

Disability

In some instances, a workplace injury results in either short-term or long-term disability. If this happens, workers’ compensation insurance can cover the costs of ongoing therapy and medical costs. 

Occupational Illness

Some types of illnesses occur as the result of exposure to substances, materials, or environments. If an occupational exposure results in illness, the worker has the right to seek recovery through the workers’ comp lawyer process in Washington, D.C.
 
For instance, an employee who works around certain chemicals may be exposed to irritants that result in sickness. When this happens, workers’ compensation benefits can cover the resulting costs.

Burial and Funeral Expenses

Sadly, some workplace injuries are fatal. Almost 50,000 employees suffer work-related deaths annually. 
 
Many of these deaths happen in the trucking and construction industries. But accidents can happen in any workplace. 
 
When an employee dies as the result of a work-related injury or illness, their surviving family members can pursue compensation. Workers’ compensation benefits can cover burial and funeral costs for the decedent.
 
If you have any questions about the workers’ comp lawyer process in Washington, D.C., reach out to the compassionate attorneys at Morgan & Morgan. We will examine your case and advise you about how to recover benefits.

Common Types of Workers’ Compensation Claims

Many different scenarios can lead to injuries or illnesses for workers. No matter what type of accident or illness you suffer, you can pursue workers’ compensation benefits with the help of a skilled attorney.
 
At Morgan & Morgan, our legal experts have experience with all types of workers’ compensation claims in Washington, D.C. 

Some of the most common categories of workplace injuries and accidents include:

Slip and Trip Accidents

Falling accidents are one of the leading causes of personal injuries. This is especially true in workplaces.
 
While falling from elevated walkways or platforms can happen in the context of construction sites, falling accidents can happen anywhere. Even office workers may face injuries as the result of falling accidents.
 
Whether you tripped or slipped, you could experience serious injuries with long-lasting consequences. 

Overexertion Injuries

Strained muscles, back injuries, and other soft tissue damage can happen in the workplace. These injuries are especially common in the following industries:

• Manufacturing
• Construction
• Factory settings
• And more

Any position involving strenuous physical effort can cause overexertion injuries.

Struck by Object

Being struck by a falling object is one of the most common causes of workplace injuries. A heavy object may be dropped, fall off a shelf, or become unbalanced and tip over.
 
This type of injury can happen in any work environment. Being struck by an object can cause a wide range of bodily injuries and can have devastating consequences.

Hazardous Materials

Some types of labor require workers to be in the presence of hazardous materials. When employees work around dangerous chemicals or fumes, they should take proper safety precautions.
 
Common safety precautions include:

• Thick gloves
• Protective clothing or suits
• Goggles and protective eyewear
• And more

Exposure to dangerous material can cause infections, burns, and long-term respiratory problems. When an employee suffers this type of injury or illness, they deserve financial recovery.

Injuries From Repetitive Motion

Many jobs require workers to engage in repetitive motions for hours at a time. Doing so can result in wear and tear to the joints in the body.
 
Over time, repetitive motions can cause significant injuries. For instance, employees who type extensively may suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome after years of work.
 
Repetitive motion injuries can cause significant and long-lasting symptoms. 
 
These are only a few examples of workplace injuries that can result in compensation claims. If you need help applying for workers’ compensation in Washington, D.C., reach out to the caring attorneys at Morgan & Morgan.
 
We have the skills, resources, and specialized knowledge to help you recover the benefits that are rightfully yours.