There are several issues to cover here. Firstly, is the worker’s compensation going to be claimed by many different people at the same time? Secondly, have there been similar successful or unsuccessful cases in the past? Thirdly, are most people with the injury just carrying on as normal? It can get tricky, but here are a few things you should discuss with your workers compensation lawyer in Los Angeles and/or legal representatives.
Is the Workers Compensation Going to Be Claimed by Many Different People at the Same Time?
Let’s get it clear from the start. If there are many people who are banding together to sue a company for workers’ compensation, then you should consider being part of that group. Also, be aware that there are inherent pitfalls to joining that group, especially if the legal team has been paid off or scared by your workplace. On the other hand, you may have a harder time getting a big settlement if you go it alone.
Have There Been Similar Successful or Unsuccessful Cases in the Past?
This is probably going to be the first thing your workers compensation lawyer in Los Angeles asks you. However, if there have been unsuccessful claims in the past, it doesn’t mean that your claim is moot or void. There is still a good chance you will get your compensation, but your lawyer is going to have to play a clever game in order not to fall into whatever traps or mistakes the previous claimant fell into. Also, do not forget that laws change, so what may have been legal in the past may now be very illegal and/or be the sort of thing you can sue for.
Are Most People With the Injury Just Carrying on as Normal?
This is probably the most troubling part. If the injury is seen as part of the job, then many people think they cannot sue for compensation. However, if that were true, then heavy machine workers would still be suffering from white finger syndrome, and office workers would still be suffering from repetitive stress syndrome. Lawsuits are ugly things, but they can change what we consider to be the norm within a working environment. Just because other people accept something as part of the job doesn’t mean you have to. It doesn’t mean you should abandon your compensation claim because you could be easily entitled to a settlement.
Final Thoughts – You Will Still Need to Discuss This With Your Lawyer
Your lawyer is going to help you decide which course of action to take, and help you figure out the best course of action for you. Nevertheless, do not allow common workplace chatter and myths to cloud your judgment. Just because many of your co-workers are happily getting on with their lives and suffering through the problem, it doesn’t mean that you have to. It also doesn’t mean you cannot claim workers’ compensation because you can. Get in touch with BHL – Worker Comp Attorney LA and discuss your options.