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708 N. Locust, Suite B, Pittsburg, Kansas 66762
Contact Us For A Free Consultation 620-308-6692 620-308-6692

Pittsburg, Kansas Workers Compensation Attorney Advocates for Clients’ Rights

Pittsburg law firm wins benefits for injured workers

Workers compensation is a no-fault insurance system that serves as a safety net for injured workers. If an employee is hurt on the job or develops a work-related illness, workers comp provides benefits regardless of who caused the harm. Kansas law requires most employers to purchase workers comp insurance, and employees are covered from their first day on the job. Unfortunately, insurance companies often deny legitimate claims or make it difficult for injured workers to get their full measure of benefits. If you’ve had trouble collecting workers comp benefits, Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law can help. For more than 25 years, I have successfully appealed claims for benefits and fought to enforce other rights under the law. I am ready to advocate strongly for your benefits in Pittsburg and throughout southeastern Kansas.

Securing your rights under workers compensation in Kansas

If you have an employer-employee relationship with a covered business and you sustain a work-related injury or illness, you are entitled to workers compensation benefits, which include:

  • Payment for all reasonable and necessary medical treatment
  • Two-thirds of your lost wages or salary
  • Compensation for permanent disability
  • Survivors’ benefits
  • Funeral and burial benefits
  • Vocational rehabilitation expenses
  • Retraining costs

During the course of your injury or illness, many conflicts can arise for which you need an attorney’s assistance. I have helped workers favorably resolve disputes over:

  • Denial of benefits
  • Clearance to return to work
  • Compensation for accepting light duty
  • Disability ratings
  • Right to a second doctor’s opinion
  • Retaliation for filing a claim
  • Total disability settlements
  • Treatment plans

If you’ve been denied benefits, you have the right to appeal. However, deadlines come quickly, and many claimants have difficulty understanding what they need to do differently to win on appeal. I have a long track record of success appealing denials of claims and settling various other disputes, and I am ready to put my experience to work for you.

Filing a third-party lawsuit based on negligence

Where workers compensation is in place, an injured employee cannot sue an employer or co-worker even if their negligence caused the injury. However, if a third party, such as a subcontractor or materials supplier, is responsible for the injury, the worker can file a personal injury lawsuit. Third-party lawsuits have great advantages over workers comp claims, because if the suit is successful, the worker can recover all lost earnings, rather than two-thirds, and damages for pain and suffering, which can be substantial. However, a negligence lawsuit has the same burden of proof as a car accident, slip and fall or medical malpractice case. At Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law, I analyze the facts of your case to determine whether you should pursue a negligent third party.

Contact a Pittsburg, Kansas workers compensation attorney for a free consultation

Patrick C. Smith, Attorney at Law provides assistance to workers in and around Pittsburg who are appealing denials of workers compensation or dealing with other coverage disputes. To consult with an experienced workers comp attorney, call me at 620-308-6692 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation.