During the winter, you might find yourself working outside. Depending on how long you are working and how cold it is, you might find yourself injured as a result of the responsibilities of your profession. If this is the case, a workers' compensation lawyer can help you make sure that you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries under this policy.

Risks Associated with Cold Weather

While working outside, you are more likely to slip on icy ground and suffer a fall injury. Even if you were careless, it doesn't matter, because workers' compensation is a no-fault system, and you will be entitled to compensation regardless.

You might also suffer from heart or brain damage as a result of hypothermia. This condition occurs when your body temperature falls suddenly. If your feet are wet for an extended period, you may suffer from trench foot. You may also suffer from frostbite and this may damage your tissues.

Challenges When Making a Claim

The workers' compensation insurance provider will do whatever they can to avoid compensating you for your injuries. For example, if they are able to argue that you were injured as a result of a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes, you will need to work closely with your attorney to make sure that you are able to prove that your work exacerbated your condition.

Another claim the insurance provider will try to make is that you suffered injuries related to cold weather outside the scope of employment. Therefore, you will need help from witnesses and other forms of evidence such as a timesheet to prove that you were working at the time.

Compensation for Your Injuries

An experienced workers' compensation attorney will work closely with your physician to make sure that your injuries are work-related and will fully document them. The medical evidence that you provide to the insurance provider will play a key role in determining how much you will be compensated for your medical bills and how long you will be able to receive benefits for not working before you are required to return to work.

Your employer might try to force you back to work before you are healthy. Therefore, you'll need help from an attorney who will fight against this. For example, your attorney will work with your physician to make sure that they clearly articulate that you cannot return to work until you are fully recovered.