Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Indiana Fight for Your Benefits
Trustworthy attorneys appeal claim denials and disability assessments
State law requires employers to provide workers’ compensation insurance to cover work-related injuries starting on the first day of employment, even if your own carelessness caused the injury. However, getting your employer’s insurance provider to pay benefits is often a complex and stressful process. Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC, located in Crown Point, Indiana, assists with denied claims. Our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of the workers’ compensation appeals process from more than 30 years of representing injured workers. We can help you seek the full amount to which you’re entitled for damages including:
- Medical bills
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent total disability
- Permanent partial disability
- Death benefits
What is a work-related injury for the purposes of workers’ compensation?
Courts have defined “work-related” to mean an injury sustained “in the course of” and “arising out of” a worker’s employment. The specific facts of your case are very important. Here are some examples of what might be considered work-related injuries:
- Travel — A salesperson is covered for injuries occurring on the road, unless the insurer shows that the injury occurred on an unauthorized detour purely for personal benefit.
- Commuting — Personal injuries on the way to the office are not work-related, unless the company has provided a mode of transport (such as a van pool) for the benefit of the company.
- Lunch hour — Accidents on lunch breaks are usually covered, if the employee eats at a company facility.
- Break time — Regularly scheduled breaks are a work activity; these injuries are generally covered.
- Work party or office picnic — There are many factors to consider, such as whether the party was on company premises and whether attendance was widely viewed to be mandatory.
- Horseplay — Whether you are covered may depend on the company’s written and unwritten policy regarding such activity. It also depends on whether your actions are negligent, reckless or deliberate. You are not covered for deliberately inflicting an injury upon yourself.
Getting the maximum benefit allowable under workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation pays for medical bills and provides disability benefits for the period of time you’re unable to work. Controversies arise when doctors chosen by the employer make an assessment of the injury that does not reflect its true severity. For instance, if you are unable to work for 21 days, workers’ comp pays benefits for the eighth through the twenty-first day. However, if you are still unable to work on the twenty-second day, workers’ comp picks up the first seven days as well. If you’re still unfit, but the doctor clears you to work on the twenty-second day, you lose seven days of benefits. Marshall P. Whalley & Associates fights for the maximum benefits allowed.
See our knowledgeable attorneys regarding workers’ comp
Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC understands the workers’ compensation systems in the states in which it is licensed. We are fully committed to helping you obtain the maximum benefits for your injury. For a free consultation and case evaluation, call 219.769.2900 or contact our Crown Point office online.
