A new 2024 study by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute, an independent, non-profit organization committed to improving the workers’ compensation system, has revealed that injured workers who have legal representation during the claims process receive substantially higher indemnity benefits. These are payments for lost wages when a worker is unable to work or can only work in a limited capacity, either temporarily during recovery or permanently.
The study, “Impact of Attorney Representation on Workers’ Compensation Payments,” analyzed over 950,000 workers’ comp claims involving more than 7 days of lost time and found that attorney involvement increased total indemnity benefits significantly.
Depending on the statistical model used, workers with legal representation saw increases ranging from $7,700 to $12,400 in indemnity payments.
The findings were consistent across different injury types and severity levels, including fractures, back injuries, and lacerations.
Why does legal representation increase workers’ comp benefits?
According to the study, one reason attorneys increase workers’ comp benefits is that they help ensure workers receive the full compensation to which they’re entitled, which may not happen without legal representation.
Attorneys are skilled in navigating the complexities of the workers’ compensation system, advocating for injured workers, and negotiating settlements. This could lead to higher indemnity payments, especially since the vast majority of workers are unaware of the full benefits they’re entitled to under the law or lack the resources to challenge claim denials or low offers from insurers.
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Need help getting maximum compensation after a work-related injury in Montana?
If you’ve been injured at work in Montana and need help navigating the workers’ compensation system to get the full benefits you deserve, the experienced Great Falls work injury attorneys at Murphy Law Firm are here to help.
As this recent study shows, having legal representation can significantly increase your chances of receiving maximum compensation, ensuring you don’t walk away with less money than your claim is worth. At Murphy Law Firm, we can help you understand your rights, calculate the full value of your claim, and negotiate with insurers on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
