When an accident in the workplace or during the course of a person’s job causes serious injuries, the impacts can be as financially damaging as they are emotionally and physically devastating. Pursuing a workers’ compensation claim can be the key to providing injured workers with the financial support necessary to cover their medical treatments and living expenses. As a result, workers’ compensation benefits can be essential to the overall recovery process.
Daily across the state of Indiana, individuals are injured on the job. While it’s true that Indiana’s nonfatal injury and illness rate has decreased by 71 percent in the last 24 years (and we applaud these safety efforts), thousands of Hoosier workers still get hurt every year and far too many lose their lives. In 2016 alone, census data revealed that 137 workers in Indiana were killed in workplace accidents.
These tragic deaths and injuries occur all across our state, impacting individuals and families from nearly every community. Workplace accidents and fatalities happen regularly on our streets and highways, on farms, in warehouses, industrial places and public buildings. A few of the industries with the highest fatality and injury rates include transportation, mining, manufacturing and construction, as well as agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting.
If you are confused, scared, angry or anxious following a work-related accident, take comfort in knowing that you’re not alone.
At Finderson Law, our injury lawyers know how vital workers’ compensation benefits can be in the aftermath of a serious work-related accident or injury. We have dedicated more than 25 years to representing injured workers and families in Indiana workers’ compensation claims. Our experienced and skillful legal experts can help you efficiently navigate the workers’ compensation claims (or appeals) process.
“I’ve been doing workers’ comp cases for over 21 years. Our firm knows the law, knows the cases, and knows the process inside and out. You’re unlikely to have a situation we haven’t seen before. And as with any other situation involving insurance companies, you KNOW that the other side is going to have lawyers looking at your case.
Workers’ comp is no different, really, from any other kind of insurance – the companies selling the policies don’t make money by paying claims. They’re likely to delay, to deflect, and to do everything they can to avoid paying anyone anything as long as they can. Again, that doesn’t mean they’re bad people, they’re just doing their job.
So, let us do ours. Call us. We don’t charge you for the initial consultation, we defer the small flat fee to the end of the case, and earn no additional fee unless we make a recovery for you. So, you really don’t have much to lose. What you could gain, however, is peace of mind in knowing that your workers’ comp claim is being handled by a professional, one who is 100% dedicated to fairness to YOU.
And that’s us.”
More on Indiana Workers’ Comp System and How We Can Help
How Will Our Indiana Work Injury Attorneys Help You?
Our Fort Wayne work injury attorneys understand the major challenges and pitfalls that injured workers face when pursuing workers’ compensation claims in the Hoosier State — and we know how to overcome these obstacles. If you decide to let us represent you, we will serve you by:
- Protecting your rights, as well as the value of your claim
- Minimizing the chances that insurers (or others) will try to compromise, undercut or deny your valid claim for workers’ compensation benefits
- Helping you file first-time claims, as well as appealing a previous claim that was wrongfully denied (or benefits were wrongfully reduced or terminated)
- Positioning your claim for quick approval and securing the maximum possible compensation
Types of Work Injury Cases We Handle
Common types of workers’ compensation claims that we are skilled at handling include (and are not limited to) workplace accidents and injuries arising from:
Catastrophic Injuries
A single, traumatic workplace accident can cause irreversible and debilitating injuries. Whether you have suffered a loss of limb, traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury on the job, following through with all available legal remedies can be the key to maximizing your financial recovery — both now and for years to come.
From heavy equipment and temporary structures to scaffolding and moving vehicles, the dangers at construction sites abound, putting construction workers at a high risk of on-the-job accidents and injuries. When construction accidents happen, injured workers may have various options for financial recovery.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Many people must drive as part of their job, from truck drivers and bus operators to construction crew and office workers. If you’re involved in a car or truck accident while on the clock, then your medical bills and lost wages should be covered by your employer under workers’ compensation —regardless of who caused the wreck.
Third-Party Negligence
In some cases, in addition to filing a workers’ compensation claim, we may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf against a negligent third party (such as a negligent subcontractor or equipment provider, for example). Third-party claims are complicated, but we can help make the process easy for you and your family.
Fatal Workplace Accidents
On top of representing injured workers from various industries and professions, our lawyers are also effective at helping Indiana families who have lost a loved one to a fatal work accident pursue death benefits. We can secure your family compensation for funeral and burial expenses, and much more.
Occupational Illnesses & Diseases
When health conditions arise because a person is exposed to unsafe working conditions due to physical, chemical or biological factors, they may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Common examples of compensable occupational disease or illness that result in days off work include cancer, hearing or vision loss, heatstroke, frostbite and arthritis.
Other types of workers’ compensation cases we commonly handle include:
- Workplace slips, trips and falls
- Muscle strains, sprains and overexertion
- Explosions and electrocutions
- Equipment failures and malfunctions
- Amazon injuries
Hurt at Work in Indiana? Here’s What to Do Next.
The actions you take in the hours, days and weeks after a workplace accident are vital. One misstep could mean that your workers’ compensation benefits are limited or even denied. If you’re confused about the process or have questions about what to do following an accident or injury, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm for answers.
If you were injured on the job in Indiana, here are the general steps you need to take to protect your health and your legal rights:
Seek medical treatment.
Your personal health and well-being are a top priority. If your workplace injury is catastrophic or traumatic, seek emergency medical care immediately by visiting the nearest hospital or calling 911. If the injury isn’t an emergency, you’ll need to follow workers’ comp guidelines for choosing a treating physician. In Indiana, your employer typically has the right to select the doctor for an injured worker.
Notify your employer.
According to Indiana law, you must give notice to your employer about your injury or illness within 30 days or your claim may be denied. However, the sooner you tell your employer, the better. The longer you wait, the more skeptical the insurance company will be, and the greater the chances that your claim will be disputed or denied. If you received emergency medical treatment and haven’t already notified your employer, then do so at this time.
File a claim.
If you were out of work for more than a day because of your injury, your employer will need to fill out an “Employer’s Report of Injury” form and submit it to their insurance company within 7 days. You should also receive a copy. The insurance company must then file a report with the Workers’ Compensation Board of Indiana, and they have 29 days to accept or deny your claim.
Consult an attorney.
If the insurance company denies your claim for whatever reason, if the settlement offered isn’t enough, if your injuries are severe, if your employer isn’t cooperating or if you have any questions about the process whatsoever, we invite you to schedule a free consultation with our experienced Fort Wayne workers’ compensation lawyers. You won’t pay a penny, and we’ll explain your rights and advise you on your legal options for recovery.
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation in Indiana
The process of filing for workers’ compensation benefits is not always straightforward. Knowing what to expect as you prepare to file a claim and proceed through the review process can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes that result in delays, reduced benefits or denied claims.
To get clear and concise answers to the most commonly asked questions about Indiana workers’ compensation claims and benefits, we invite you to browse the resources listed below —or contact us at Finderson Law to talk about your unique case.
- Top workers’ compensation mistakes
- Indiana workers’ compensation FAQ
Free Consultation with a Talented Fort Wayne Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Were you or a loved one hurt at work? Contact Finderson Law to talk to an experienced Indiana work injury lawyer and get helpful advice about your potential claim. Initial consultations are free and we don’t charge any fees unless we obtain a recovery for you. This means that you have nothing to lose and potentially a lot to gain by talking to us about your legal recovery.
Known for being compassionate and tireless advocates, our attorneys can guide you through the entire workers’ compensation claim process, from choosing a doctor to appealing your case. We are diligent problem solvers who partner with our clients to help them meet their objectives and favorably resolve their legal matters.
At Finderson Law, you can count on receiving the highest quality representation and personal legal service for your workers’ compensation claim or appeal.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients. Our history of providing superior legal services —and delivering exceptional results — has earned us a 5-star rating on Facebook and Google. From our law firm office in Fort Wayne, we are proud to represent injured workers throughout Allen County and the state of Indiana.
REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS
Went above and beyond
Great to work with. Went above and beyond to help us. Very professional and personable. They cared about me and getting done what was needed. Would highly recommend this firm. - D.P.
Communication is key
Always on top of the process and keeps in contact. Communication to me is key regardless if they are making progress or not and they were always answering the phone or returning calls promptly and answering any questions along the way. Top notch and while I hope to never use them again, I highly recommend them. Excellent and phenomenal! - H.H.
Extremely satisfied
Roger went above and beyond for me and got me the results I needed. I'm extremely satisfied with how things turned out! Hopefully, I will not have to visit the office again; but, if I do need a lawyer, I know where to go! - T.
Serving Fort Wayne & Communities Across Indiana
If you or a loved one were hurt in a personal injury accident or while on the job, don’t hesitate to contact our law firm to find out more about your legal options and learn how skilled representation can make all the difference in your case. From our law office in Fort Wayne, we are proud to represent clients throughout Allen County and the state of Indiana.
Related Resources
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid After an Auto Wreck
- Fort Wayne Fatal Workplace Accident Lawyer
- Compensation for Work-Related Explosions and Electrocutions…