Workers' Compensation Defense Lawyer
We have years of experience representing businesses in handling claims for workers' compensation benefits. Our approach to this defense is not simply responding to lawsuits filed against our clients but also working with our clients and their insurers or self-insured fund administrators to avoid as many claims as possible. In some cases proper handling of claims will avoid the need for litigation. There are many instances where an over aggressive adjuster assigned to handle a file will force an employee to retain an attorney because the adjuster will not authorize medical treatment and provide some of the basic benefits required by the Workers' Compensation code. At Farmer Price Hornsby & Weatherford we will work in a proactive manner to assist our clients in handling their claims in such a way to minimize the need for litigation and unneeded expense.
Workers' Compensation Claim Investigation
We handle all phases of litigation in Workers' Compensation claims. Every claim is different and must be looked at from every angle. In order to properly defend our clients we work with them in advance of claims to understand their business and employees so to better assist them during the initial phases of an injury investigation.
We can assist you in the investigation immediately following an incident so to allow your business to make an informed decision about how to address the claim you expect an injured employee to make. This includes taking statements of witnesses, meeting with safety directors to determine if a rule violation was the cause of the injury and evaluation of potential claims against any third party who may be held responsible for your employee's injuries. This can limit the costs associated with an injury and claim by allowing your employee to pursue claims against another entity. If these claims are successful your business can be repaid for the wage and medical benefits already paid to or on behalf of an injured employee.
In addition, early evaluation of the circumstances of an injury can allow us to develop evidence to support potential defenses should the employee file a lawsuit against your company.
Litigation
We litigate workers' compensation claims in courts throughout our practice area. Our attorneys have handled these claims from filing answers to complaints all the way through briefing appeals through the Alabama Appellate court system. We have been successful asserting defenses including violation of workplace safety rules, use of illegal drugs, lack of causation and others. We are always mindful that our clients do not benefit from expensive litigation unless there is a potential for saving money. We will work with clients to determine what is in their best interests in every situation and strive to minimize the cost of litigation and resolving claims.
If you have any questions, or to speak directly with a lawyer from our Dothan, Alabama office, please call (334) 793-2424. You can also reach us by e-mail to submit information about your question or case.
