Have you found yourself injured and unsure if you need a compensation lawyer? Knowing when to contact a compensation lawyer can be tricky, especially if you have never needed to use one before. There are several occasions where a compensation lawyer can be helpful and will ensure that you get the compensation and support you deserve. These occasions are typically after an injury, either at work or on the road. To help you decide if you need a compensation lawyer, we have detailed the 6 occasions where one is needed below.
1. After a workplace injury
Workplace injuries can be serious and leave you unable to work for long periods of time. In these periods, you don’t want to be worrying about your finances, and this is where a compensation lawyer can help. If your injury was caused by or happened at work, then a claim can be made to help you get compensation to cover medical bills or any additional costs you might incur. There are two types of workplace accident claims that can be made in Brisbane:
WorkCover claim
A WorkCover claim is a no-fault basis that allows you to make a claim regardless of who is at fault for your injury in the workplace. If you are eligible, you can claim the following:
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment
- Coverage for medical expenses
- Weekly payments for lost wages
Common law claim
Common law claims can be made if your injury was caused by negligence from your employer or another party. To make a common law claim, you need to prove that your employer or another party breached their duty of care, causing your injury. A compensation lawyer can help you build your case to increase your chance of success.
Under a common law claim, you can claim compensation for the following:
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future economic loss
2. After a medical injury
Medical injuries refer to any injury that was caused by a medical professional. For example, this could be improper care that you received at the hospital, receiving dangerous medical advice that worsened your condition, or treatment that was not needed. A compensation lawyer will help you build your case here to prove that negligence or improper care has left you with a medical injury.
As part of your case, you will typically claim for any physical and emotional injuries caused, any additional medical bills you have needed to pay as a result of the injury, and any loss of income if the injury has left you unable to work.
3. After a car accident
Compensation lawyers are commonly used after a car accident to help you claim for any injuries you have sustained. If your injury is caused by another vehicle and the driver’s negligence, then you can claim compensation for the following:
- Ongoing care needs
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
Compensation lawyers can also help you claim compensation if you are the victim of a hit and run, where the driver has fled the scene and not left any details. Having a lawyer is crucial here as they can help to track down the other driver and get the compensation that you deserve.
4. After an injury in a public place
Injuries in a public place, like sports venues, malls, parks, or any other public place, can also be dealt with by a compensation lawyer. If you are injured at a public place through someone else’s negligence, you can make a claim under the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002.
You can claim for any injuries you have sustained and medical costs, along with a loss of earnings, and for pain and suffering. A compensation lawyer will help you build a case and get the compensation you deserve.
5. After assault or abuse
You can also use a compensation lawyer to make a claim after abuse or an assault. In these cases, the compensation claim will be levied against the person responsible for the abuse or assault, allowing you to recoup some finances to pay for any necessary medical treatment. The claim can also be filed for emotional distress and any other implications the abuse has had on your life.
6. For help with superannuation claims
If you are permanently unable to return to work, you can apply for total and permanent disability (TPD), a benefit that will replace your wages. Applying for the benefit can be complex, and a lawyer is beneficial here. They will walk you through the process and ensure that you get the right benefit and support that you need.
Find your compensation lawyer in Brisbane today
If any of these six occasions apply to you, then it is time to find a compensation lawyer who can help you! Smith’s Lawyers is a team of experienced compensation lawyers who can help you get the money you deserve after an injury. Speak to Smith’s to find compensation lawyers in Brisbane who can help you after an accident or injury.