Cottrell Law Office

Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney

Have you been injured?

Call Today for a Free Consultation
800-364-8305
Your Injury Attorney
Because Results Matter

NO WIN - NO FEE
  • Home
  • About
    • Attorneys
      • Wesley A Cottrell
    • Free Sober Holiday Rides
    • Cottrell Law Office Annual Scholarship Contest
  • Practice Areas
    • Personal Injury
      • Arkansas Personal Injury
      • Missouri Personal Injury
    • Car Accident
      • Arkansas
        • Rogers Car Accident Attorney
        • Fayetteville Car Accident Attorney
        • Springdale Car Accident Attorney
        • Bentonville Car Accident Attorney
        • Bella Vista, Arkansas Car Accident Attorney
        • Siloam Springs, Arkansas Car Accident Attorney
        • Fort Smith Car Accident Attorney
        • Van Buren Car Accident Attorney
      • Missouri
        • Joplin, Missouri Car Accident Attorney
        • Springfield Car Accident Attorney
        • Carthage Car Accident Attorney
        • Miami Car Accident Attorney
        • Neosho Car Accident Attorney
        • Webb City Car Accident Attorney
      • Kansas
        • Baxter Springs Car Accident Attorney
    • Wrongful Death
    • Catastrophic Injury
      • Traumatic Brain Injuries
      • Spinal Cord Injuries
      • Burn Injuries
      • Internal Organ Damage
      • Multiple Bone Fractures
      • Amputations
    • Social Security Disability
      • Arkansas Social Security Disability
      • Missouri Social Security Disability
      • Social Security Disability Benefits
      • Top Reasons Why Disability Claims Are Denied
      • Approval Rates for Common Medical Conditions
    • Workers’ Compensation
      • Arkansas Workers’ Compensation Rules
      • Missouri Workers Compensation Rules
      • Kansas Workers’ Compensation Rules
      • Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Rules
  • Areas We Serve
    • Arkansas
    • Missouri
    • Kansas
    • Oklahoma
  • cottrelllawoffice
  • Blog
  • Reviews
    • Our Reviews
    • Review Us
  • Resources
    • Case Results
    • Video
    • Workers Compensation Accident Statistics
      • Arkansas Workers Compensation Accident Statistics
      • Missouri Workers Compensation Accident Statistics
      • Work-Related Injuries In Missouri
      • Kansas Workers Compensation Accident Statistics
      • Oklahoma Workers Compensation Accident Statistics
    • Court Links
      • Arkansas Court Links
      • Missouri Court Links
      • Kansas Court Links
      • Oklahoma Court Links
    • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Personal Injury FAQs
      • Car Accident FAQs
      • Workers’ Compensation FAQs
      • Social Security Disability FAQs
      • Wrongful Death Claims FAQs
    • Articles
    • Helpful Links
      • Arkansas Links
      • Missouri Links
      • Federal Links
  • Contact Us
  • 800-364-8305

Do I Need an Attorney for my Workers' Comp Claim?

December 1, 2015 by Wes Cottrell

need an attorneyWorker’s compensation insurance provides reimbursement for medical expenses to employees who suffer work-related injuries.  This right to reimbursement requires the injured worker to forfeit his or her right to sue the employer for negligence related to the injury.  If you’ve suffered a work-related injury and you are wondering whether you really need an attorney, here are some things to consider.
When It May be Alright to Represent Yourself
Generally speaking, if you suffered a minor workplace injury and missed little or no work as a result, you may be able to successfully represent yourself.  Your chances of success increase if your employer does not dispute the injury was work-related and you did not have any pre-existing injuries or conditions that may be relative to your claim.
When You Should Hire an Attorney
If there are any complex issues in your case, the wisest decision is to consult with a Workers’ Compensation attorney.  For instance, if your employer denies your claim or you do not receive your benefits, as you should, then an attorney should get involved.  Nearly 80% of employees who are injured at work do not appeal the denial of their claim. Consulting a workers’ compensation attorney provides you with the best chance of receiving a fair settlement for your injuries.
Is the Workers’ Comp Settlement Offer Sufficient?
In some cases, an employer will offer to settle a Workers’ Comp claim for an amount that does not actually cover your lost wages and your medical bills.  If you are concerned that the settlement offer your employer made is not sufficient, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney.  It is not always good to simply allow the Workers’ Comp judge to determine whether the settlement is fair because they typically approve the agreement as long as it isn’t “grossly” unfair.
You are Unable to Return to Work
If you are in a situation where your medical condition prevents you from returning to your old job, or from performing any work at all, then you have likely suffered permanent partial disability or permanent total disability.  In that case, you may be entitled to lifetime weekly payments, or a lump sum payment, to compensate for your lost wages.
You Believe Your Employer Has Retaliated Against You
If you believe your employer has taken some action against you, in retaliation for filing a Workers’ Comp claim, such a demotion or reduction in hours or pay, then you may also have a claim for unlawful discrimination or retaliation. In that case, you should contact a Workers’ Comp attorney immediately.
Potential third-party claims
Despite the fact that Workers’ Comp law prevents an employee from filing a lawsuit against the employer for work-related injuries, it does not prevent legal claims against a third-party, when that person’s negligence contributed to the employee’s injuries.  For instance, if you are a delivery truck driver and you are injured in an auto accident caused by someone else, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver.  You can do this in addition to receiving your Workers’ Comp benefits.  In these cases, you should also seek the advice of an attorney.
If you have questions regarding Workers’ Comp claims, or any other personal injury concerns, call the Cottrell Law Office at (800) 364-8305.

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Wes Cottrell
Wes Cottrell
Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993.

He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.
Wes Cottrell
Latest posts by Wes Cottrell (see all)
  • How Does a Workers’ Compensation Settlement Affect Social Security Disability in Missouri? - October 22, 2020
  • Is Arkansas a No-Fault State? - September 28, 2020
  • What Is the Arkansas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims? - August 26, 2020

Filed Under: Workers' Compensation

About Wes Cottrell

Wes Cottrell earned his B.A. from Pittsburg State University in 1981 and his J.D. from the Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, Kansas in 1985. He was admitted to practice law in Kansas in 1986, in Missouri in 1987, in Arkansas in 1989, and Oklahoma in 1993.

He is licensed to practice law in the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, eastern Arkansas, western Arkansas, and western Missouri. He was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Crawford County, Kansas from 1987-1989.

Cottrell Law Office | Arkansas Personal Injury Attorney

Blog Subscription

Recent Posts

  • How Does a Workers’ Compensation Settlement Affect Social Security Disability in Missouri?
  • Is Arkansas a No-Fault State?
  • What Is the Arkansas Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims?
  • What if I Wreck My Leased Car in Joplin, Missouri?
  • What is a Phantom Vehicle Claim in Arkansas?

Categories

  • Accident
  • Accident Reports
  • Accidents
  • Aggressive Driving
  • Auto Accidents
  • Benefits
  • Bike Accident
  • Car Accidents
  • Catastrophic Injury
  • Common types of Construct Accidents in Missouri
  • Dog Bites
  • Food Poisoning Claims in Arkansas
  • Hit and Run Accidents in Missouri
  • Liability
  • Liability For Injuries
  • Liability in Arkansas
  • Medical Malpractice
  • Motorcycle accident lawyers
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Personal Injury
  • Personal Injury claim in Arkansas
  • Premises liability
  • Product Liability
  • Social Security Disability
  • Social Security Disability claim in Missouri
  • Statute of Limitations in Missouri
  • supplemental Security Income in Arkansas
  • Texting and Driving in Arkansas
  • Trucking Accidents
  • Uncategorized
  • Worker's Compensation claims in Missouri
  • Workers' Compensation
  • Wrongful Death

Rogers Office

Rogers Personal Injury Lawyers Office Location
117 S 2nd St
Rogers, AR 72756
Phone: (800) 364-8305
Secondary phone: (479) 329-1153

Rogers Office Map

Map Image

Joplin Office

Joplin Personal Injury Lawyers Office Location
2001 S Empire Ave
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: (800) 364-8305
Secondary phone: (479) 631-6464

Joplin Office Map

Map Image
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us
© 2019 Cottrell Law Office,
All Rights Reserved.
  • Facebook

Subscribe to our newsletter