Newark, DE Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Helping Newark, DE employees injured on worksites
Being injured or developing an illness at work can be a disabling life event. If you’ve been hurt on the job, you likely have significant and valid questions about your medical bills, your paycheck, and how you’ll get back on feet without financial worries. Our job is to provide you with those answers and help with your peace of mind.
The Newark workers’ compensation attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman bring a combined 100 years of experience to your case. We can go over your workers’ comp claim together and discuss any issues or concerns you might have. If your claim has been denied, we will work with you on an appeal and ensure everything is done to get you the maximum amount of benefits you deserve.
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Types of workers’ compensation benefits
When you suffer an injury on the job in Delaware, you’re typically eligible for workers’ compensation. Your employer pays for these benefits, and it’s mandatory that any company with more than one employee carry this insurance coverage in the event of job-related accidents. Depending on the severity of the injury, you may be entitled to the following types of workers’ comp benefits:
- Temporary disability benefits. If you’re unable to go back to work during the course of your injury or condition, you may receive temporary benefits. After a claim has been approved, you will receive weekly benefits.
- Medical benefits. Workers’ compensation will also cover your medical treatment as long as your physician deems it necessary. You may also be referred to a specialist at no cost to you.
- Permanent disability benefits. If your injury is severe enough that you will never recover or work again, you may be eligible for permanent disability benefits.
Types of workplace injuries
Every workplace—whether an office, a retail shop, a hospital, or a construction site—has its share of hazards. Job and construction sites tend to see more trauma-related injuries, while office workers are more prone to repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel or tendonitis. The Newark, Delaware workers’ compensation lawyers at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman help workers with the following types of injuries:
- Back injuries. Lifting heavy boxes can cause injuries to the back or spine. Employees can also suffer back injuries if they slip, trip, or fall on the job.
- Equipment-related injuries. Large machines, like on a construction site or in a warehouse, can cause disfigurement or death if they malfunction or an accident occurs.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Brain injuries result from forceful blows or jolts to the head. They occur from falls, construction or warehouse accidents, and car crashes.
- Overexertion and bodily reaction. These tissue and muscle injuries appear when an employee uses the same muscles every day, over and over—continual bending, climbing, or twisting.
- Struck by or against an object. These types of injuries can include broken bones, head injuries, sprains, or shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle injuries.
- Repetitive stress injuries. Instead of a traumatic injury, where the injury occurs quickly and suddenly, repetitive stress injuries happen over time, through repetition. When a motion, like typing or hammering, is done continuously every day for years, it can cause a cumulative injury.
What is an occupational illness or disease?
In addition to a traumatic or cumulative injury, workers can also contract diseases or illnesses due to exposure to toxic or harmful substances in the workplace. Here are a few examples:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Pneumoconiosis
- Occupational asthma
- Lead poisoning
- Toxic dust syndrome
- Silicosis
- Berylliosis
- Skin diseases
- Radiation illness
- Lead poisoning
When do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer?
In many cases, the workers’ comp process may seem simple—get injured, see a doctor, tell your employer, and collect benefits. Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple and you may greatly benefit from working with an experienced injury attorney. At Silverman, McDonald & Friedman, we specialize in instances where:
- Your injury or condition is considered catastrophic and will result in permanent disability
- Your employer’s insurer denied your workers’ compensation claim
- Your insurer’s authorized doctor states that you can return to work, but you don’t feel you are ready
- You don’t believe the settlement offer you have received is fair
It’s not to your advantage to go up against your employer’s insurance company alone. Having a seasoned attorney on your side ensures the best possible outcome for your case.
Workers’ compensation lawyers focused on helping injured workers
You’ve worked most of your life to provide for yourself and your loved ones. If an accident or injury is preventing you from making a paycheck, talk to the workers’ comp attorneys at Silverman, McDonald & Friedman. We can help you file your claim and work to ensure the process goes smoothly and to your advantage. Call us at 302-888-2900 or fill out our contact form to set up a free consultation in our Newark, DE office. We also maintain offices in Wilmington and Seaford.
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