Is It Worth Getting A Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
Johnson City

If you suffered a work-related illness or injury, you may be wondering whether you should hire a Johnson City workers’ compensation attorney.  The answer depends on the extent of the injuries, the complexity of the case, and how an employer (and its insurance company) addresses a claim.

It is possible to navigate the workers’ compensation process without the representation of a lawyer; particularly if your injury is relatively minor and will quickly heal completely with little work time missed.  However, if an injury is severe, or if there is a dispute, an insurer refuses to pay a fair amount, or a denial is unjustly issued, having the assistance of an experienced Tennessee workers’ compensation lawyer can significantly increase the chances of securing a favorable determination and a full award of benefits.

If you suffered a work-related injury, call our office to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can improve your chances of securing maximum compensation.  Experienced Johnson City workers’ compensation lawyer Mark Hurt can listen to the facts of your case and provide an honest appraisal of whether you should proceed on your own.  Further, Mark can handle all legal aspects of your case so you can focus on what is important—your recovery and healing.

Can I Afford a Johnson City Worker’s Compensation Attorney for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Individuals who hire an experienced Johnson City workers’ compensation lawyer generally end up receiving higher settlements or awards than those who represent themselves, even after taking into account attorney’s fees.

When you hire The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, you will pay no upfront legal fees for us to handle your claim.  We represent injured workers on contingency, meaning we only get paid if compensation is obtained, and our fee is capped by law at 20% of the recovery or award received.

When Should I Hire an Attorney for My Workers’ Compensation Case?

In certain situations, it is vital to be represented by a Tennessee workers’ compensation lawyer who will tenaciously fight to protect your legal rights and interests.  We encourage you to call our office to schedule a complimentary consultation if:

You have a severe work-related injury or illness.

Severe and catastrophic injuries often equate to more exorbitant medical bills, lost wages, and higher permanent disability awards.  As such, insurance companies are more likely to strongly oppose these types of claims, hoping to avoid paying out substantial sums of compensation.

When an insurance company fights a claim, injured workers often face intentional delays, demands for independent medical exams, allegations that a condition was not caused by work, and low, unfair settlement offers.  We know how to stand up for our client’s legal rights against such tactics.

If you suffered a debilitating work injury or illness, you deserve full and fair compensation for your losses and expenses.  At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we tenaciously fight to get the maximum compensation possible for work-related injuries.

You have preexisting conditions.

A common tactic utilized by insurance companies to avoid paying full compensation is to argue that an injury or illness was due to a preexisting condition or natural aging.  Physicians may disagree on the extent that a complex medical issue is attributable to work and preexisting conditions; thus, it may help to seek a second opinion.

We regularly work with medical specialists who provide medical opinions regarding an injury’s source.  If an insurer contests a work-related injury, we can determine whether a secondary medical opinion would be helpful and, if so, refer you to a healthcare provider who can evaluate your injuries.

It’s important to note that employers have the right to seek what is called an “independent medical examination”, or “IME”, from a doctor of their choosing.  Despite the name, there is nothing “independent” about these doctors or their opinions.

These doctors are hired and paid by the employer and/or insurance company.  They know that if they wish to be included on the IME list of doctors for future consideration, it will be helpful if their opinions lean in favor of the employer or insurance company, and their objectives to limit costs.

You are unable to return to work after an injury.

Permanent disability benefits can be extremely costly for insurers; therefore, they will often try to minimize an individual’s disability rating to avoid paying fair compensation.  If your work-related injury or illness affects your ability to work for a significant period, hiring a lawyer may be essential to helping you obtain enough (and the correct amount of) compensation to cover the loss of future wages.

Your medical treatment is being prematurely discontinued.

Insurance companies have a monetary incentive to seek to discontinue treatment as soon as possible, and also to not approve recommended treatment.  If you’ve been injured, your course of treatment needs to be discussed between you and your physician, and such treatment should continue so long as it is medically beneficial.

If your injury is severe and likely to require significant ongoing treatment, it will be best to retain an experienced worker’s compensation attorney at the outset of your case, who will be by your side so that an insurance company knows that they will be vigorously opposed if they try to discontinue your treatment early.

Your worker’s compensation claim was denied. 

You should consult with our office immediately if your employer’s insurance company denies or disputes part of your claim.  Insurers routinely deny claims, hoping that injured employees will not appeal or challenge unfavorable determinations.  Unfortunately, many workers take denials at face value, missing out on much-needed benefits to which they are rightfully entitled.

Injured workers have a right to appeal denied workers’ compensation applications.  Often, this is the only way to secure the benefits they deserve.  However, the appeals process is challenging, as there are strict deadlines, rigid rules, and extensive paperwork and documentation are required.  Failure to comply with the guidelines can easily result in a claim being denied on a technicality.  Don’t let this happen to you; we can help navigate through every step of the process.

For over two decades, we have successfully secured workers’ compensation benefits for clients who were initially denied.  As an experienced workers’ compensation attorney servicing Johnson City and the surrounding communities, Mark Hurt can assist in presenting your case in the most compelling and convincing light possible by preparing you for a hearing, collecting documentation and supporting evidence highlighting the extent of work-related injuries, hiring experts to substantiate a claim, and effectively questioning witnesses.

Call Our Offices to Schedule a Complimentary Consultation with An Experienced Johnson City, TN Workers’ Compensation Lawyer.

If you have questions regarding a workers’ compensation application or need assistance filing an appeal, contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to schedule a complimentary case evaluation to learn about your legal options.  Our initial consultations are always free, and we never charge a fee unless we are successful in obtaining compensation on your behalf.

What Our Clients Say

Mary, Bart, and Mark helped me tremendously with my workers compensation case. We navigated a long (over a year) road together and they helped me to not only win my case, but obtain a settlement of over $125k. I would recommend the Offices of Mark Hurt to anyone needing someone to stand with them in their corner! Thanks again Mary and Bart!! :-)
Charles Dutcher
Charles Dutcher
1685471585
Extremely pleased with the prompt support and guidance from Michael. He and the office staff were great to work with. They walked us through the process and were able to have my daughter's traffic violation dismissed with 0 points.
ga thomson
ga thomson
1684936164
Bart and Mary were very professional and helpful with my claim. I appreciate all that you did for me. You were great.Thanks forall that you've done.Clifford E Boyer
Clifford Boyer
Clifford Boyer
1683668004
I started receiving services through this law firm in 2017 for my workers compensation case. Over the years, this firm has been attentive, kind, patient and understanding to my needs. My calls were returned promptly, if the associate was unavailable at that time and I have had ample opportunity to speak with Mr Hurt directly concerning my case. With Mary Wilson, Bart Conway, Mr Hurt and others behind the scene, my case has progressed smoothly. I am very pleased with the services and attention I received at this firm and would recommend Mr Hurt, Mary and Bart for your needs.
Teresa Harris
Teresa Harris
1683569779
We hired Mr. Hurt to help settle a worker’s comp injury case for my husband. Mark, Bart, and Mary worked tirelessly to resolve his case and reach a settlement we were pleased with. They were always available to answer questions and returned calls in a timely manner.
K F
K F
1682489385
We were fortunate to find the Law Offices of Mark T. Hunt to help us set up our estate. Melanie was a joy to work with. She did a wonderful job putting together all of the documents needed to complete our estate planning.
Roxanne Mcfall
Roxanne Mcfall
1681766365
The office got right back to me and were compassionate about my sensitive situation
polly deal
polly deal
1680754180
Jessica was helpful in assisting me with my disability claim!
Amber Snapp
Amber Snapp
1680618358
Jessica was super helpful when I had questions about submitting my claim for disability. She also got me a case manager quickly!
Amber Petrovich
Amber Petrovich
1680618228
I have only praise for the Mark T Hurt firm and especially Michael Miles. Michael was very helpful in guiding me through the court process ans assuring a good outcome. I would recommend this firm and Michael in particular if you need representation in Virginia!
Dave Dalpiaz
Dave Dalpiaz
1680114987
I called and spoke with Jessica in the Disability Dept. after my Denial and she was right on top of getting me the paperwork to Hire them as my Representatives to Handle my claim from here on out
Allen Smith
Allen Smith
1679416063
Jessica was extremely helpful at assisting me with getting me in the process to file my disability case.
Jason Harris
Jason Harris
1678138281
Thank youJessica from the Social security DeptU were very Helpful
Christal Postema
Christal Postema
1678134153
Jessica in theSoccial Secuity Dept was great
Bryon Nimmo
Bryon Nimmo
1678130439
I spoke with Jessica and she was fantastic! She helped me get my social security disability application started and set up with a case manager.
Rebecca Hunt Ford
Rebecca Hunt Ford
1678128980
Jessica @ Social Security Department was very helpful and friendly with us today.
Winonia Blankenship
Winonia Blankenship
1678125271
I had a ticket and was upset. I did not want points on my license. Frankie was amazing and made sure all my bases were covered. The Law Office of Mark Hurt did a wonderful job and got my ticket completely dismissed!!!! I am so glad they helped me. They were so nice and answered all my questions. I never had to worry after I talked with them. I would highly recommend that anyone who needs help with a ticket to talk with this firm!! Thank you so much for everything!!!
Nichloas Wyatt
Nichloas Wyatt
1677981214
Jessica in Disability is awesome!! She replies quickly and gets things done. I’m very satisfied with my choice and feel great that it is in their hands!
laura dykes
laura dykes
1677875154
The individuals I spoke with were courteous, helpful, and thorough. Thank you Jessica.
RoseMarie Whisnant
RoseMarie Whisnant
1677785574
Jessica and the disability dept are very helpful and give excellent assistance with filling a claim very glad I contacted them
Jessie Hawks
Jessie Hawks
1677680471
Was very easy process. Jessica was very friendly and helpful while applying for Social Security Disability.
Darlene Robinson
Darlene Robinson
1677623644
Thank you so much Jessica for helping me with my social security disability case! You were kind, helpful, and understanding. I greatly appreciate you!
Kelly Bragg
Kelly Bragg
1677613932
Jessica and the group started helping me with my disability case the same day I called. 10/10 recommend
Brittany Poole
Brittany Poole
1677612031
js_loader