When workers suffer injuries on the job, they often have to deal with a complicated workers' compensation claim. One key question arises: Does hiring an attorney really make a difference? According to a recent study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute, the answer is a resounding yes.
Workers who are represented by a workers’ compensation attorney can receive much higher indemnity payments than those without legal representation. These benefits can pay for lost wages or disability.
What types of claims see the most attorney involvement?
Not all workers' compensation claims are created equal, and neither is the level of attorney involvement. Attorney representation tends to be much more common in more complex cases, particularly those involving permanent partial disability (PPD) or lump-sum (LS) settlements.
In fact, 64% of claims with either PPD or LS payments involve attorney representation. This number jumps to 79% when both types of settlements are involved. Even claims that only include lump-sum settlements have attorney involvement 76% of the time, and 38% of claims with just PPD payments involve a lawyer.
In more straightforward cases (such as temporary disability (TD) payments), attorney involvement is less common, but still not rare.
How much more compensation do workers get with an attorney?
The numbers speak for themselves. The average indemnity payment for workers’ compensation claims that involve more than seven days of lost time is $19,305, with a median payout of $5,548. For claims involving only temporary disability payments, this amount drops to an average of $6,890.
However, when PPD or lump-sum settlements are part of the equation, the stakes are much higher. These claims average $39,150 in benefits, with a median payout of $22,653.
For cases that involve both PPD and lump-sum payments, the benefits are much higher. The average payment in these cases is $55,001, with a median payout of $38,449. Even claims involving only lump-sum settlements see an average of $45,583, with a median payout of $25,456.
What difference does an attorney make?
Hiring an attorney can make a significant difference in the total amount of compensation a worker receives. The study found that workers with attorney representation see an increase in their benefits by $7,700 to $12,400, depending on the method used to calculate the impact. In some cases, attorney involvement can increase the amount of compensation by four- to five-fold.
Additionally, the study suggests that denial of claims, delays in payment, or disagreements about medical care often lead workers to seek legal help. Attorneys guide workers through these challenges and ensure they understand their rights and fight for the benefits they deserve.
When should I hire a workers’ comp attorney in Ohio?
For injured workers in Ohio, these findings offer clear insight: hiring an attorney can significantly impact the amount of compensation you receive. While the Ohio workers' compensation system is designed to provide benefits without the need for legal representation, having an attorney on your side makes a major difference in the outcome of your case.
The attorneys at Hochman & Plunkett Co., L.P.A. have more than 150 years of combined experience fighting for injured workers in Dayton and throughout southwestern Ohio. Whether you're facing claim denials, delays in payment, or disputes over medical care, our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our law firm provides personalized, results-driven legal services to injured workers across Ohio. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let our skilled attorneys fight for your rights. We have law offices in Dayton, Cincinnati, Springfield, Troy, and Columbus.
“Thank you to your team for handling my cases and getting more than I ever thought. I’m so appreciative of the help in settling my cases. Your team answered all my questions and took the time to explain every step of the way. I highly recommend your law firm.” – Benita P.