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D.C. Workers Compensation book for injured workers to be published November 2009
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Politicians Working to Eliminate the Legal Age Bias For Workers
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Construction site shut down after two construction workers are killed on the job
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Like most Americans, you work hard for a living – you work because your family depends on you, your company depends on you, and you want to contribute to the economy of our great nation. You are a dedicated employee and take pride in your work. It may be hard to imagine being injured or disabled because of an on the job injury. And when you get hurt on the job, you expect your employer to take care of you because it is the right thing to do. Even if you've worked for the company all these years, they have a workers compensation insurance company handling your case. And that insurance company is looking out for its own interests - not yours. You may find that your compensation claim is met with suspicion or indifference, you are offered compensation that is much less than you expected – or your claim is denied outright. Is that fair? Is that right?
We want to help. Donahoe Kearney, LLP has represented hundreds of injured workers with cases just like yours. We understand your dedication to your job, and we understand that you just want to be treated fairly. Donahoe Kearney, LLP has the resources and experience to fight for your rights, and get you the compensation you deserve. You shouldn’t have to deal with your employer and fight their insurance company alone. If you have been injured on the job, it is very important that you protect your future rights and your ability to earn a living. We protect your rights for you and your family.
Workers’ compensation laws were enacted to protect workers, and ensure that employees who are injured or disabled on the job receive fair compensation. These laws also protect your family, and provide benefits for your dependents if you are fatally injured at work. These are both great benefits of the law. However, some of these same laws were also enacted to protect employers and their insurance companies. There are laws that limit the amount of compensation you can receive, what kind of medical treatment the insurance company will pay for, and how long you will receive benefits. In addition, workers’ compensation laws do not allow payment for pain and suffering resulting from your injury or disability. It is enough for you to ask – who are the laws really trying to protect?
The kinds of games that insurance companies play are shocking. They may tell you they require a signed authorization (which allows them to get all of your medical information since birth) or tell you they require a written statement about your injury. They try to get you to record a statement or telephone interview that could later be used against you. They may even have a "nurse case manager" come to your house to see if she can "help" with your case. They will deny your claim if you don’t file your paperwork in time, or they may deny your claim because of a trivial technicality. They may hire a private investigator to secretly videotape you looking for anything to deny your claim. They try to get you to go see one of their doctors. They find ways to pay the least amount possible for your medical treatment, by providing what they call “palliative care” – the minimal, least expensive treatment possible. And if you were injured in Washington D.C., the insurance company may try to pay you a lower compensation amount under the Maryland or Virginia laws.
And your employer may not play fair, either. Once you're hurt on the job, your employer may find fault with everything you do or everything you've ever done. They could offer you a light-duty position so that you can go back to work sooner – but what if they don't accomodate your doctor's restrictions? And if you refuse to accept that position – you could find your benefits cut off. What is fair about that? Or, if you are back at work after an injury and your employer asks you to do more than your doctor said you could – and you agree to do it – you could lose your compensation.
Bottom line, your employer and their insurance company know the laws and they use them to their advantage. Do you know the laws? You can probably see now why it is so important to have somebody on your side who does understand the law, and who wants to fight for your rights.
Get What You Deserve – Honest Treatment, Fair Compensation
Don’t take a chance on dealing with your employer and their insurance company alone. You need somebody on your side who understands all of the workers’ compensation laws and all the tricks of the insurance business. You want a law firm that can make sure your claim is filed completely, accurately, and on time. You need a law firm that will make sure you are compensated for your injuries, your lost income, and that you get the medical treatment you need to get better.
If you or your loved one have been injured or disabled on the job, don’t hesitate to contact Donahoe Kearney, LLP today. We will meet with you personally to discuss your case at absolutely no cost to you. In fact, there are no attorney’s fees at all unless your case is successful, and even then any attorney fee must be approved by the D.C. Office of Workers' Compensation or the state workers’ compensation commission. Show your employer and their insurance company that you know your rights and that you demand to be treated fairly.
Awarded: $1,100,000
Awarded: $975,000
Awarded: $275,000.00
Description: Find out about occupational diseases and work place exposure and causes for diseases. Depending on the occupation, work related activities may cause (or workers may be exposed to conditions that cause carpal tunnel syndrome, heart disease, MRSA and HIV.
Description: OSHA is responsible for implementing and enforcing workplace regulations providing for worker safety and health.
Description: Virginia workers compensation claims are administered by the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission.
Description: D.C. Workers Compensation cases are administered by the Department of Employment Services.
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