Study Shows Lawyers Can Influence Workers’ Comp Payments

Young man with a broken ankle and a white cast on his leg, sitting on a red couch, on the phone with a workers' compensation attorney.

Recent research by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) highlights the substantial benefits of hiring an experienced workers' compensation lawyer for your injury claim. According to the study, individuals who enlist the help of an attorney often see a significant increase in the compensation they receive for their work-related injuries.

"The key result is that all estimates indicate a positive and statistically significant effect of attorney involvement on indemnity benefits," the WCRI study reports.

So, how much more can injured workers expect to gain by hiring an attorney? Do different types of workplace injuries affect the potential increase in benefits? And what are the common reasons individuals choose to seek legal representation in their workers' compensation claims? Vellner Law, PC, offers insight into these important questions.

Why Hiring a Workers' Comp Attorney is Essential

In an ideal world, anyone who suffers a work-related injury or illness would automatically receive workers' compensation—a safety net designed to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other financial losses. This principle holds true in Pennsylvania, where the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act mandates that employers provide benefits to injured employees.

However, the reality is often quite different. Many sick or injured workers find themselves having to fight for the compensation they deserve. This struggle is why so many turn to legal professionals for assistance in navigating the workers' compensation process. Here are some common reasons why workers hire an attorney:

Claim Denials: Insurance companies frequently deny claims by claiming that the injury isn't work-related or fails to meet eligibility criteria, leaving workers frustrated and without support.
Disputed Benefits: Insurers may challenge the severity or duration of an injured worker's disabilities, resulting in lower payments or limited medical coverage that doesn't reflect the true extent of the injury.
Settlement Pressures: Insurance providers often rush workers to accept quick settlements, which may not adequately cover all medical expenses and lost wages, putting additional financial strain on the injured party.

The Benefits of Hiring a Workers' Comp Lawyer

Research from the WCRI shows that injured workers who enlist the help of attorneys often achieve significantly better financial outcomes. Here are some key findings from the report:

Increased Payouts

Workers with legal representation tend to receive settlements that are, on average, 30% higher than those without attorneys. This is particularly true in cases involving permanent disabilities or long-term injuries, where the complexities of the situation can greatly impact the final compensation.

More Access to Medical Benefits

Attorneys play a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive all the medical benefits they are entitled to. This includes advocating for treatments that insurers might initially deny or delay, ultimately securing necessary care for the injured worker.

Faster Dispute Resolutions

Having legal representation can expedite the resolution of disputes, reducing delays through effective negotiation, mediation, or formal hearings before a workers' compensation judge. This means injured workers can get the benefits they need more quickly.

In Pennsylvania, over 40,000 petitions related to workers' compensation are filed each year, with many cases requiring mediation or formal hearings before benefits are granted. In these complex situations, having legal support is essential, especially when insurers dispute claims or delay payments.

How Hiring a Lawyer Affects Workers' Comp Settlements

The WCRI study reveals significant differences in the compensation injured workers receive based on whether they hire legal representation. On average, those who engage a lawyer can expect to receive the following additional amounts in workers' compensation benefits for specific injuries:

Bone Fractures, Lacerations, or Contusions: An average increase of $4,850.
Lower Back Injuries: An average increase of $7,848.
Non-Back Sprains and Strains: An average increase of $8,291.
Other Injuries: An average increase of $11,141 for injuries not specifically listed.

Common Challenges in Workers' Compensation Claims

Navigating the workers' compensation system can be filled with obstacles, including:

Complex Medical Evidence: Insurers frequently require extensive medical documentation to validate injuries, leading to potential delays in benefit payments.
Return-to-Work Pressures: Injured workers may face pressure from employers to return to work prematurely, complicating their recovery and jeopardizing their health.
Misclassification of Injuries: Insurers sometimes mislabel injuries as non-work-related, resulting in unjust denials of benefits.
Delays in Benefits: Even for approved claims, delays can occur, affecting workers' access to necessary medical care and their ability to meet financial obligations.

In Pennsylvania, workers facing these hurdles greatly benefit from hiring an attorney who can skillfully navigate the complex claims process and advocate for their rights.

Get the legal help you need after a work injury

Injured workers in Pennsylvania often encounter significant obstacles when pursuing workers' compensation benefits. These challenges can include denied claims, delayed benefits, and pressure from insurers to accept settlements that fall short of what they truly deserve. The WCRI study highlights that hiring an attorney can lead to higher settlements, faster resolutions, and improved access to necessary medical care. Given that thousands of workers' compensation petitions are filed each year, navigating the system without legal support can leave injured workers at a disadvantage.

If you've suffered a workplace injury or been diagnosed with a work-related illness, consulting a Pennsylvania workers' compensation attorney can be crucial in protecting your rights and securing the benefits you deserve. Legal representation not only enhances the chances of obtaining fair compensation but also allows injured workers to concentrate on their recovery without the added stress of managing complex claims.

Anthony R. Vellner, a seasoned Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer at Vellner Law, PC, has extensive experience handling complex legal cases related to workers' compensation claims throughout the state. To find out how Attorney Vellner can assist you, give us a call or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. With offices conveniently located in Bethlehem and Allentown, we proudly represent injury workers across Pennsylvania.