You may need a workers’ compensation lawyer if you are dealing with a permanent disability or a complicated condition. Retaining an attorney also may be critical if your claim has been denied or if your employer has signaled that they are skeptical of it. In other words, whenever a claim is contested or a significant amount of money is at stake, professional representation can make a huge difference. By contrast, you may not need to hire an attorney if you suffer a straightforward injury, you expect to return to work after a short time, and your employer promptly accepts responsibility for payments.