You’ve probably noticed that insurance premiums are going up, up, up. In almost every sector, from health to homeowners’ to car insurance, costs are skyrocketing. This is not limited to Stockton, of course, or to California. The broad, market-wide price surge is called a “hard market.” This is a period characterized by higher insurance costs for insurance companies, which are, in turn, passed along to consumers. Why is it critical to secure an experienced and aggressive workers’ compensation attorney in Stockton if you are in the midst of claiming permanent or long-term disability? Read on to find out.
Learn more about our Stockton Workers’ Compensation Attorney Services.
How a Hard Market Affects Workers’ Compensation and Permanent Disability
Hard market conditions affect California workers’ compensation claims in two key ways. The first is rising medical costs. When medical inflation rises and the cost of hospital stays, outpatient procedures, testing, specialized care, and long-term care increases, it becomes much more expensive to pay claims. Consequently, insurance companies pass their costs on to employers through higher premiums to maintain their profit margins.
But the consumer (i.e., the injured worker) also pays: Insurance companies tighten claims payments, increase scrutiny, deny more claims, and, specifically in the case of permanent disability, push back against permanent disability ratings.
Why Securing an Aggressive Workers’ Compensation Attorney is Critical
Insurers are in a state of crisis, to be sure. If you are an injured worker who may be facing permanent disability, this means your claim is going to face even more pushback than ever before. To counter this, you need an attorney who understands insurance industry tactics.
We have helped countless injured workers in California facing permanent and long-term disability. Some of the tools we have at our disposal and regularly utilize include:
- Professional investigators specializing in Stockton, CA
- Accident reconstructionists
- Qualified Medical Examiners (QMEs)
- Mental health experts
- Three decades of experience in professional, aggressive negotiating
When Denials Happen, We Fight
Permanent disability claims are particularly costly for insurance companies, especially in today’s market. This means denials are becoming more common – even automatic. Insurance companies deny and then hope you don’t appeal. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Sacramento are ready for disputes over disability ratings, undervaluation of a worker’s injury, and questions about whether permanent disability is necessary. To counter these tactics, we rely on our professional relationships and resources, along with 30 years of experience, to fight back against unfair denials.
Professional Negotiation Skills = Fair Settlement
Often, long-term and permanent disability claims end in a settlement. Trust us when we say you do not want to negotiate with an insurance company’s team of attorneys or professional, career claims adjusters. An experienced attorney will come to the table knowing the true and accurate value of your claim, including future medical costs and reduced or lost earning capacity. Data shows that injured employees have a significantly higher chance of securing a maximum settlement when represented by an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Increased Challenges for Fighting Denials
Current market conditions also mean that when an appeal of a denial is necessary, the process is even more challenging, for all of the reasons cited above. Plus, even in the best market conditions, the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board(WCAB) process is complicated, especially if you are injured or trying to recover from a long-term illness.
A workers’ compensation attorney will handle all the necessary paperwork, file motions on time, analyze and present evidence in a compelling manner, and, if your case goes to court, be by your side to represent you.
Our job is to advocate for injured workers, period. We will have your best interests in mind at all times.
You Can Afford an Experienced Stockton Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Eason & Tambornini offer free case reviews; if we take your case, you pay nothing until and unless you win. If you don’t win, you don’t pay. Our workers’ compensation attorneys serving Stockton are standing by and ready to help you secure the permanent disability benefits you have a right to.
Call (209) 323-5126 to schedule a free consultation.