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I got hurt on the job. But do I really need a lawyer?
Work tells me I don't need an attorney. So what's the downside if I don't hire a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?
 The BWC tells me right on their website that they will help me - So why do I need a lawyer?
As you can see on other pages on our website, The BWC and your Employer BOTH have lawyers to represent their positions.
The BWC works to protect the "State Fund" from which compensation and benefits are paid.
Use common sense, how do you think it is going to save money ? Of course, by fighting YOU and the benefits YOU need by not paying wage & injury compensation or medical bills. YOU, as the Injured Worker, will be the one to suffer.
The Employer works to keep its Workers' Compensation Premiums as low as possible by contesting claims.
In order to do accomplish their goals, the BWC and your Employer each have their own seperate lawyers.
Now the most important question - Why do they need lawyers when they tell you that you don't?
It just doesn't make sense to us. In order to get an even advantage, you need legal representation to protect your rights.
Remember the old saying "A Lawyer Who Represents Himself Has A Fool For A Client".
So, without any legal training, how do you think you are going to represent yourself against the trained BWC Lawyers and the trained Employer's Lawyers?
How do you think you can succeed in getting all the benefits you deserve, when you might not even know what they are or how to fight the lawyers on the other side of the table?
Don't be a Fool! They have lawyers and you better have one too!
Don't be fooled into believing that the BWC is truly looking out for your interests. If that was the case, why did they enact a rule to allow the BWC to have you examined every 30 days, if they want, to see about terminating your weekly benefits and/or your medical treatment. Only your lawyer will fight for your right to obtain correct compensation and all the medical care your doctor says you need.
Although the BWC website states that the CSS will respond to general questions in a timely manner and assist you in understanding:
- Your responsibilities in filing a claim;
- BWC benefits that may be available to you;
- How and when payment is made;
The CSS assigned to your claim by the BWC is not a lawyer and the CSS works for the BWC, not for you!
Gruhin & Gruhin thinks you should retain an attorney at the very start of your BWC claim. We firmly believe that you should retain the services of a Board Certified Workers' Compensation Specialist! The BWC will only pay for medical treatments you receive from a BWC Certified BWC Medical Provider. So why shouldn't you be represented by a Board Certified Lawyer Specialist also?
Although many workers’ compensation claims are “medical only” claims, they still entitle the Injured Worker to receive an injury award.
Medical only claims are often certified (that is, accepted) the employer and are routinely allowed by the BWC. However, what no one will tell you is that you must apply for the injury award. It is not something that you will obtain without taking specific action.
On the other hand, claims can be contested by either the employer or the BWC. If a workers’ compensation claim is contested, the BWC will refer the matter to the Industrial Commission of Ohio for a hearing. A hearing notice will be provided to the injured worker, the employer, and their authorized representatives. In some cases, a BWC attorney will also appear on behalf of the BWC at Industrial Commission hearings.
If you receive a hearing notice, your claim (or some issue arising under your claim) is being contested. In such instances, Gruhin & Gruhin recommends that you obtain the services of a Worker' Compensation Certified Specialist to represent your interests. Remember, the Employer and the BWC have attorneys. Don't go it alone, call Gruhin & Gruhin.
As you can see on other links in our site, The BWC and your Employer BOTH have lawyers to represent their position. You better have one too!
This Article by M Gruhin
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