Had an injury at work, Should I get an attorney?

[backache]

Basically I fell off a delivery truck while going my job and fractured 3 verterbre in my lumbar, L2L3L4 but just the "wings" parts. I'm on comp, The DR says I'm gonna be fine and be able to return to work without any problems. I really dont trust him and have no experience with lawyers. I want to get as much compensation as possible. Its been a month and I am getting better but still on meds and still hurts.
Should I get a lawyer and how soon?
How much could I get If i did sue, I think I'm gonna have problems from this the rest of my life simply b/c I have had an injury in the past but just bruising and 8 years later it still bothers me but this is much worse.
thats why I want as much as possible so if I have problems in the future when I go back to work I can afford medical treatment.
I think the employer is responsible because the floor of the truck is always soaking wet with various juicesofrom fresh meat products and they offer no protection for your feet or anything from slippage. It is a hazzard position that ive did for 3 years now without many other incidents, It was just an accident waiting to happen.I THINK?

[yellow_tofu]

I neve had a work injury, but i think you need to look in to fault. In america you can sue for anyhting you want but you dont want to waste your time with a case you cant win. was you falling out of the truck any fault of your employers or was it your own fault. also if one doctor says yoru fine and should get better get a second opinion. As for the lawyer many of the offer free consultation. Give them a call and see if they can get your some money.

But only sue if your have a goodd reason. dont sue just to make easy money. it what is ruining this country, its immoral and makes the everyday person suffer b/c of the trickle down effect.

[Snark™]

Look in the yellow pages under "workers compensation attorneys". They love cases like yours.

[mboromom2]

You dont need a lawyer unless your employer didn't have Workers' Comp. If they didn't, then yes go get a lawyer and sue them for medical and missed salary. If they did have Workers' Comp, all you have to do is call that company and talk to them. I deal with Worker's Comp claims on my job. It's a joke when someone gets a lawyer. I've never seen them get any more money having a lawyer. Our Comp company does everything by the book. If you are entitled to paid time off the Comp company will pay you for it.

Honestly, a lot depends on HOW the accident occured. Workers Comp will require you are drug and alcohol tested within 24 hours of the injury. Results of that also matter. You are entitled to see another doctor for their opinion and Workers' Comp will pay for that.