What Can Workers Compensation Lawyers in Aurora Do for You

Living in Aurora, Colorado, I know how tricky it can be to deal with legal hurdles, especially when it comes to workers’ comp. It’s crucial to have the right legal buddy on your side to safeguard your rights and snag the compensation you’re owed.

If you’ve got injuries from work or are neck-deep in a tug-of-war over workers’ comp benefits, teaming up with seasoned workers’ compensation lawyers in Aurora can change the game for you. These attorney dynamos are all about fighting for your rights and making sure you’re treated fairly under Colorado’s workers’ comp laws.

In this blog series, I’m diving into the key topics around workers’ comp in Aurora, unpacking insights and tips to help you stride through the legal maze with ease. Whether it’s getting to grips with what you’re entitled to as an injured worker or looking at which injuries might get you benefits, the goal is to arm you with the know-how to make rock-solid decisions about your case.

As we dive into this journey together, take time to comb through the resources and nuggets of wisdom scattered through this series. It’ll give you a clearer picture of workers’ comp laws and how they play out for your specific predicament. Always remember, you aren’t navigating this road solo, and plugging into the skills of seasoned workers’ comp attorneys can give you the arsenal needed to steer your case to a positive ending.

Whether you’re just about to file your claim or wrestling with problems with your current benefits, there are legal pros waiting, locked and loaded, to support you every leg of the way. Your health and rights top the list, and with the direction of savvy legal minds, you can stroll through the workers’ comp labyrinth with a sense of peace and clarity.

Stay tuned as we break down the nitty-gritty of workers’ comp law in Aurora and tackle the vital pieces that could sway your case. We’re all about enlightening you on your rights, securing your interests, and chasing down the compensation owed to you. Reach out today for a no-pressure chat to learn more about how we can have your back on your legal venture.

Let’s join forces in nailing the justice and compensation you deserve. Your well-being sits at the heart of what we do, and we’re committed to helping you heal and forge ahead with assurance.

What Is Workers’ Compensation in Colorado?

Workers’ comp in Colorado is a setup to help folks who’ve hurt themselves or gotten sick because of their job. It’s like a safety net that offers cash and medical support, keeping both employees and employers in check when those work accidents happen.

Understanding Your Rights as an Injured Worker

If you’re hurt while working in Colorado, you’ve got some certain rights to lean on. Here’s what’s in your corner:

• You can visit the doc for those work-related injuries.
• If you’re hurt too bad to clock in, you can still receive some wage replacement benefits.
• No one can give you a hard time for applying for those benefits.
• If things go south and your claim is denied, you can fight back.

Knowing these rights is your ticket to ensuring you’re not left hanging after a workplace mishap.

Types of Injuries That May Qualify for Benefits

You might be wondering what kind of boo-boos entitle you to dip into workers’ comp. Here’s the scoop on some eligible injuries:

• Any fractures or broken bones while on the clock.
• Sprains, strains, and those pesky soft tissue knacks from jobsite mishaps.
• Sickness from dangerous stuff at work or lousy working conditions.
• Injuries from doing the same movements, like carpal tunnel or tendonitis.

Just a heads-up though—not every bump or scrape will qualify, so having a chat with a workers’ comp lawyer in Aurora makes sense. If you’re in a pickle or need a bit more legal know-how, an experienced Aurora workers compensation attorney can help sort stuff out tailored to your situation.

Are You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Aurora?

Got yourself banged up at work in Aurora? Wondering if you’re set for workers’ comp? Buckle up, because a smidge of knowledge can be the game-changer in snagging the benefits you deserve after a workplace mishap. Check it out below to see if you’re eligible!

What to Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury

So, you’ve taken a tumble or had a mishap on the job in Aurora? Don’t just sit there nursing that bruise. You gotta spring into action to keep your well-being and legal standing intact. Here are the moves to make sure the comp train stays on track:

1. Hit Up a Doctor: First on the list is looking after numero uno—your health. Check in with a doc to have your injuries looked at and mended.
2. Sound the Alarm: Tell your boss—or anyone higher up—the what, when, and how of it. Reporting pronto is a must to kickstart the workers’ comp process.
3. Jot Down the Details: Get a solid record of what went down. Scribble the date, time, place, and all the juicy details of how Murphy’s Law had its way with you. This can be your ace in the hole later.
4. Snap and Chat: If you can, grab witness contacts and snap some pics of the scene or your injuries. Proof is your best buddy here.

Reporting and Filing a Claim

Now that you’ve gotten the once-over from the medics and made it known you’ve gotten hurt, the paperwork parade begins. Here’s how it usually rolls in Aurora:

1. Tap Your Boss on the Shoulder: Make sure the higher-ups are in the know about your injury. Get the forms crucial for filing a comp claim.
2. Do the Paperwork: Fill it all out with the nitty-gritty of how you got hurt. Accuracy here keeps the headaches at bay.
3. Paper Pile: Sling in any medical records, reports, or tidbits that say, “Yep, this happened, and I need help.”
4. Don’t Go MIA: Keep lines open with your boss and the insurance folks to watch your claim make its way through the system.

Follow these guidelines to keep yourself covered after getting hurt on the job in Aurora. If you find the red tape a bit too much to handle, calling in reinforcements might be your best bet. Get help from a seasoned Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer who can offer seasoned advice fitted to your personal scenario.

Common Myths About Workers’ Compensation

Let’s cut through the noise and get to the heart of two big misunderstandings about workers’ compensation so you’re in the know when needing legal help.

You Can’t File If the Injury Was Your Fault

A lot of folks think if you mess up and get hurt, you’re out of luck with workers’ compensation. But here’s the scoop—workers’ comp doesn’t care whose fault it is. The system says if you get injured on the job, in most cases, you’ll get benefits, unless you went out of your way to hurt yourself or did something really reckless. It’s all about getting support when you need it regardless of blame.

Sorting through your options can be tricky, but connecting with a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer in Aurora can make the path clearer and help you claim what you deserve without added headaches.

You Must Be a Full-Time Employee to Qualify

Here’s another whopper: only full-time employees can file for workers’ comp. Nope! The reality is that in many places like Colorado, you’re covered whether you’re full-time, part-time, a seasonal worker, or just passing through on a temp gig. As long as it’s work-related, you might be able to get compensation when injuries happen.

Knowing your rights is key. If you find yourself sidelined by a workplace mishap, talking to an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Aurora can make a world of difference. They’ll guide you through the process smoothly and help you understand your entitlements.

By busting these myths, we’re ensuring you’re in the best position to make informed decisions about workers’ comp. If you ever find yourself with questions or need advice, don’t shy away from contacting a trusted lawyer who can offer personal guidance with your specific situation in mind.

Can You Be Fired While on Workers’ Comp in Colorado?

Getting shoved into the whirlwind of workers’ comp might have you all confused and concerned, especially worrying about whether your job is safe or not. If you’re in Aurora, Colorado, it’s really important to pin down what your worker’s rights are when you find yourself in the messy web of a workers’ compensation claim and the chance of getting the boot.

Your Rights and Employer Obligations

In the land of Colorado, there’s a safety net for employees, where bosses can’t just kick you to the curb because you filed a workers’ comp claim. The law’s got your back, making sure injured workers aren’t getting tossed aside for saying, “Hey, I need some benefits because I got hurt on the job.”

Bosses have a duty to stick to the rules and defend your rights while you’re muddling through the workers’ comp process. If you have a hunch that your pink slip is tied to your claim, don’t just sit there stewing—chat with a savvy aurora workers compensation attorney who’ll help sort through your situation and decide if legal action’s your ticket.

How Termination Affects Your Benefits

While it’s a no-go for an employer to fire you out of revenge, getting the axe can still throw a wrench in your benefits and backing. Sometimes, if you don’t have that office door to walk through anymore, snagging benefits might turn into a bigger battle.

Finding yourself out of a job while riding the workers’ comp train can muddy the waters and might leave your wallet feeling a bit light. That’s why having a legal eagle straighten things out for you is vital. A sharp attorney can help steer you towards keeping your benefits and make sense of all the legal stuff that comes with getting canned during a workers’ comp ride.

Realizing the ins and outs of your rights and figuring out the fallout of getting let go while on workers comp is crucial. It guards your legal corner and makes sure you’re getting what’s owed to you. If you’re staring down the barrel of a potential firing or have already been shown the door while on workers’ comp, seek out a passionate attorney who’ll stick up for your rights and tackle the law head-on.

How to Document a Workplace Injury for a Strong Case

If you’ve found yourself injured at work and aiming for that workers’ comp, getting your ducks in a row with documentation can make or break your case. This part shows you the stuff you wanna gather to beef up your claim and why those doctor notes and buddy accounts matter big time.

Evidence That Helps Support Your Claim

Now, getting the right proof is like having a full house in poker—pretty sweet deal. Here’s some of what you should be grabbing to give your claim a good shove in the right direction:

• Incident Report: Tell your boss what went down ASAP. That incident report is your golden ticket to show the mishap and your bumps and bruises are the real deal.

• Photos, Lots of Them: Snap away—take pics of where it all went down, anything that contributed to the mess, and your physical injuries. A good picture’s worth a thousand words in these situations.

• Witness Statements: Chat with the folks who were there. Their take can match up with yours and back you up nicely. Having others who saw it happen makes your side of the story sound more legit.

• Doctor Stuff: Keep a stash of all those doctor visits, x-rays, pills, and check-ups. These medical papers prove you aren’t pulling anything and you’re actually dealing with some serious hurt.

• Restrictions at Work: If the doc says you need to tone it down at work or take a breather, ensure that’s on paper. These restrictions back up how your condition is affecting your ability to get the job done.

Why Medical Records and Witnesses Matter

Now, let’s chew the fat on why both doctor scribbles and what your work pals say can make your case way tighter:

• Medical Records: These records spill the beans about what’s wrong, what you need for fixin’, and how things are going on the mend. In other words, it’s solid proof showing the level of hurt you’re dealing with and the hoops you’ve jumped through at the doc’s office.

• Witness Testimonies: Those who were nearby when you took a spill can back up your version of what went down. Their stories add weight to your claim, confirming how and why you ended up injured.

Staying on top of documenting your injury through what the doctor says and what your coworkers saw puts you in a good spot for a decent workers’ comp claim. All this evidence tips the scales in your favor by showing you’re not just making stuff up about your injuries and what happened on the job. If you want more help from someone who knows the ropes, think about reaching out to a savvy workers’ compensation lawyer in Aurora to walk you through the steps and watch your back.

Reasons Claims Get Denied and How to Avoid It

When dealing with workers’ comp claims, you’ve gotta know why they sometimes get shot down and what you can do to keep that from happening. Let’s get into the two main culprits and how to dodge them.

Missed Deadlines and Incomplete Forms

One biggie that trips folks up is not meeting deadlines or leaving stuff outta the paperwork. Colorado, like a bunch of other states, has some pretty stiff rules about reporting an on-the-job injury and filing your claim.

Action	Time Limit
Reporting an Injury to Employer	Four working days
Filing a Claim	Two years from the injury date or last workers’ comp payment

If you drag your feet on telling your boss about your injury or on getting those forms filled out, you could find your claim rejected. So, always let your employer know about any workplace mishaps right away, go see a doctor if you need to, and make sure all your documents are spot-on and timely.

Also, it can really help to keep tabs on every little thing about the incident—grab witness statements and hold on to any medical paperwork you get. This paperwork trail can be gold in making sure there are no mix-ups that might lead to a denial. To beef up your know-how on handling this, check out our piece on documenting a workplace injury.

Employer or Insurance Company Disputes

Another wrench that can get thrown in this process is when the employer or insurance company makes a fuss about how the injury really went down or whether you should get paid. They might say it didn’t happen at work, that you’re overdoing it with the treatment, or maybe they’ll claim you aren’t entitled to workers’ comp.

To head off this mess, arm yourself with the right stuff—think medical records, witness accounts, and any other proof of the incident. And it wouldn’t hurt to have a chat with a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer in Aurora to tackle any disputes and look out for your rights.

By staying on top of those deadlines, nailing the paperwork right, and being ready for any “he-said-she-said”, you’re upping your chances of getting the nod on your workers’ comp claim. Always be up to speed on what you are entitled to as someone hurt on the job, and don’t hesitate to get a legal hand when things are feeling a bit rocky.

Benefits of Hiring an Aurora Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

When you’re tangled up in workers’ compensation issues, having an experienced Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer in your corner can make a world of difference. Here’s a rundown of how legal help can steer your case for the better.

Simplifying Filing, Appeals, and Settlements

Dealing with workers’ compensation isn’t exactly a walk in the park, especially when you’re coping with injuries from work. This is where an Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer steps in. They’ll help with your initial claim, hold your hand through appeals if things don’t go as planned, and wrangle settlements that are fair for you. Their know-how can make the maze of legal stuff less of a headache, boosting your chances of getting the benefits you’re after.

Standing Up Against Boss Pushback

Sometimes, employers might try to throw you off from going for your workers’ compensation benefits, or they might twist the truth about your rights. An Aurora workers’ compensation lawyer knows the ins and outs and will stand up for you, playing defense against any shady tactics. With a legal pro backing you up, you can firmly go after what’s rightfully yours without sweating any retaliation from the boss.

No Cash Upfront – Pay Only if You Win

One cool perk of hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Aurora is they usually work on a “you win, they get paid” basis. So, you don’t have to worry about coughing up bucks for legal fees right away. Your lawyer only gets paid if they bring home the bacon for you. This setup keeps your wallet happy and your lawyer motivated to get the best result for your case.

Teaming up with a sharp workers’ compensation lawyer in Aurora means getting solid support from start to finish. From the first filing to hammering out settlements, your legal partner can ease your stress, defend your rights, and up the odds of scoring a win with your workers’ comp claim. If you need a legal ally, give us a shout for a free chat today and kick-start the journey to getting the benefits you’ve earned.

What Benefits Can You Receive Through Workers’ Comp?

Hey there! So, you’re in Colorado and have gotten hurt on the job? Let’s talk about what the compensation system could do for you if you find yourself in this tough spot. Knowing your way around these benefits can make a big difference while you’re healing up.

Medical Expenses and Wage Replacement

One perk of workers’ comp here in Aurora is that it helps cover your doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries—basically, any treatment needed so you can get back on your feet. Keep track of every penny you spend on your recovery—those receipts are like little golden tickets when claiming your expenses.

And then there’s the part where they help with the money side of things. Getting stuck at home means missing out on your usual paycheck, but with comp, you usually get a slice of your weekly wage to keep things rolling financially while you’re not able to work. Knowing how this works—how they figure out what you get and when is super helpful when you’re in the middle of a claim.

Permanent Disability and Vocational Training

Sometimes injuries are a real bummer and leave you with long-term issues. In these cases, if you’re dealing with seriously lasting effects, there are benefits that can provide ongoing support to help out. Just how much you get often depends on your situation and what you’re dealing with afterward.

There’s also some good news in the form of new possibilities. The comp system might help you learn new tricks—like taking classes or getting training in something that matches your new abilities. This opens doors to fresh job options and can be a real game-changer in getting you back out there earning.

Knowing about these opportunities and using them to your advantage not only gives you some peace of mind but also sets a more confident path in your recovery. If things get a tad too complicated, or if the paperwork has you scratching your head, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal help. Having an experienced Aurora workers compensation attorney by your side can be just what you need to steer through your claim with ease and ensure you get what you deserve.

Third-Party Liability and Additional Compensation

You’ve got an injury at work, right? It’s already a tough situation, but don’t just stop at workers’ comp. Dive into the realm of how other folks might be responsible too. We’re talking about third-party liability and how it might just put some more dollars in your pocket beyond the basic compensation.

When Other Parties May Also Be Responsible

Sometimes, it’s not just your boss or your own two feet that got you hurt. Picture this: maybe a contractor didn’t secure a ladder properly, or a piece of equipment failed because the manufacturer cut corners. These outsiders might share some of the blame.

Figuring out if others are responsible for your slip or fall means digging into the details of your accident. Team up with sharp legal minds—like your friendly neighborhood Aurora personal injury attorney—to track down any other parties who owe you for your troubles.

Suing Outside of Workers’ Comp for Full Recovery

Workers’ comp is great for covering the basics, but guess what? It’s not everything. For that pain and emotional rollercoaster ride you’re on—not to mention if someone was playing fast and loose with safety—you might want to sue them for that too.

Going beyond workers’ comp involves a leap into the world of legal battles. Get yourself a legal eagle, like the pros at an Aurora personal injury law firm, who can lead you through this maze. Their mission is to secure every dime you need to cover your pain, both physical and mental.

To get a fair shake on everything owed to you, don’t just stick to the standard script. Look into who else might have played a hand in your accident and explore all the potential for compensation. Legal experts are there to help figure out the best moves for snagging what’s rightfully yours.

How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation Case Take?

Getting through a workers’ compensation case can feel like a week stuck in Monday. Knowing what to expect when you’re dealing with all the paperwork and waiting times in Aurora can keep you from pulling your hair out.

Timeline for Filing, Approval, and Payment

So, how long might your compensation rollercoaster ride last in Aurora? Well, it’s a bit like deciding if pineapple belongs on pizza. It varies. Factors like how tangled your case is or how bad your injuries are play a role. Here’s a snapshot of what the journey looks like:

Stage of the Case	How Long It Takes
Reporting the Injury	Stat—right after the accident
Filing a Claim	A couple of days to a week
Employer Investigation	1 to 2 weeks
Initial Decision	30 to 45 days
Potential Appeal Process	Up to 90 days
Medical Treatment Period	Depends on how you’re healing
Settlement Negotiations	Could be weeks, maybe even months

When to Expect Settlement Offers

Settlement talk pops up after you hit Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)–that’s doctor speak for when you’re in as good a shape as you’re gonna get. Once you’re riding that steady ship, the insurance folks might toss a dollar figure at you to close the case.

But, hold your horses! Before you sign anything, make sure you’re getting what you deserve. Chat with a workers’ compensation lawyer who knows the ropes. Don’t get shortchanged on covering those medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses.

Grasping the rough schedule of your workers’ compensation journey means fewer sleepless nights. Though each case is like a snowflake—no two are the same—it helps to have a trusty guide. Linking arms with an experienced Aurora workers’ compensation attorney can turn legal muddles into clear pathways to the help you need.

Specialized Cases: Construction and Industrial Accidents

Dealing with workers’ compensation in Aurora truly becomes a task when talking about construction and industrial accidents. If you’ve ever been around a construction site, you know it’s a hazard-rich environment just waiting to catch anyone off guard. So let’s swing our focus around Aurora job sites, explore their regular threats, and the serious boo-boos folks face regularly.

Common Hazards on Aurora Job Sites

Picture this: construction zones and industrial spots in Aurora, always buzzing with activity but also a lurking disaster if not handled properly. It’s on the workers and bosses to stay sharp about what could go wrong to stop potential mishaps. Here’s a quick peek at troublemakers on these sites:

Trouble	What It Means
Falling Off Scaffolds	Working way up high on scaffolds? Yep, that might mean airborne accidents.
Big Heavy Machines	Huge machines doing powerful stuff can sometimes turn a regular day sour.
Same-old Movements	Doing the same thing over and over can tire out your body in surprising ways.

Scaffold Falls, Heavy Machinery, and Repetitive Injuries

1. Scaffold Falls:

• Scaffold tumbles are pretty notorious in construction gigs. Up high on scaffolds? One misstep and you’re in for a rough time with possible broken bones or noggin-bangers.

2. Heavy Machinery:

• Forklifts, cranes, bulldozers, oh my! These big boys need pros at the controls, or else things can go south fast, resulting in squished body parts, missing limbs, or worse.

3. Repetitive Injuries:

• Day in and day out, repeating the same tasks? Yeah, that takes a toll. Stuff like carpal tunnel or tendonitis is all chalked up to stressing your body parts bit by bit.

Knowing these troublemakers and respecting safety routines are vital to keeping everyone in line at work. If you find yourself in a pickle with a job injury, hitting up a savvy workers’ compensation lawyer in construction mishaps is a smart move. They’ll help you weave through the red tape and snag you the compensation you need.

Picking the Right Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Aurora

Let’s be real: battling the ins and outs of workers’ comp claims in Aurora ain’t a cakewalk. Having the perfect legal whiz by your side is a game-changer. Choose wisely—you can’t just roll the dice with any lawyer and expect the best results. But hey, here’s the lowdown on how to find that all-important legal backup and why being savvy about those Colorado labor laws is a must.

What Matters in Legal Backup

Nailing the choice of a workers’ comp lawyer can make or break your case. Here’s a little checklist to cut through the noise:

• Experience Talks: You want someone who eats, sleeps, and breathes workers’ compensation. A guru with a history of wins for folks in your shoes.
• Knows the Law Like the Back of Their Hand: Not just any law—Colorado’s own rule book. They gotta navigate those specific twists effortlessly.
• Plain Talk, No Legal Jargon Jungle: Legal mumbo jumbo won’t do. Find someone who breaks it down to your level, ensuring you’re always in the loop.
• Fans and Reviews: Take a peek at what past claim warriors say. Online reviews aren’t gospel, but they’ll steer you in the right direction about who’s worth your time.

Get these things right, and you’re one step closer to snagging a lawyer who’s got your back. Need more ammo? You might want to ring up an Aurora personal injury attorney for added security.

Why Local Know-How Rules in Colorado Labor Laws

In the workers’ comp showdown, having a lawyer who gets the local scene is gold. A homegrown attorney knows the state’s playbook inside out and can give you customized advice that fits just right. They’ve got the lay of the local land down pat, tackling any hurdles like a pro.

With roots in Aurora, these lawyers know their way around local legal and admin systems, greasing the wheels of your case so it moves along smoothly and swiftly. A lawyer familiar with Colorado’s labor laws can boost your odds way up.

So, when you’re picking that workers’ comp lawyer in Aurora, zero in on those with a gift for workers’ comp law and a deep dive into Colorado’s legal playbook. That combo will arm you with solid support to claim the benefits you’re owed. For more sound legal directions in Aurora, a wise move would be chatting with a savvy Aurora workers compensation attorney.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Colorado, you’ll want to let your employer know about a workplace injury pretty quick. You’re looking at a deadline of four working days after you get hurt. Missing this window might mess with your chance to snag those workers’ compensation benefits. Need more scoop on this? Check out our deep dive into What Is Workers’ Compensation in Colorado.

Can I change doctors during my claim?

If your workplace injury has you looking for a new doc in Aurora, you’ve got that option. But be ready for a bit of a whirlwind. Switching doctors while handling a workers’ comp claim can be tricky, needing the thumbs-up from the insurance folks. Best bet? Get in touch with a seasoned workers’ comp lawyer to help you sidestep any roadblocks during your medical journey.

What if my employer has no workers’ comp insurance?

Found out your boss in Aurora doesn’t have that mandatory workers’ comp insurance? No worries—you might still grab onto some benefits. The state’s got your back with an uninsured employer fund to cover your bases. Just make sure to chat with a workers’ comp lawyer to walk you through your legal hurdles and keep your rights in check.

Will I have to go to court to win benefits?

A lot of workers’ comp headaches can get sorted outside the courtroom. Folks usually settle things with some negotiation, mediation, or maybe even a chat during admin hearings. Only when push comes to shove, you might find yourself facing a judge. But don’t break a sweat—a sharp workers’ comp lawyer can guide you through, court or no court.

Is my job guaranteed while I’m recovering?

Colorado’s got rules saying your boss can’t boot you just for filing a workers’ comp claim. But the law doesn’t promise you’ll be clocking in while you’re healing. While they can’t fire you just for receiving those benefits, get the lowdown on what’s what by speaking with a savvy workers’ comp attorney in Aurora to keep your rights in check.

Free Consultation With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Having a rough time with workers’ comp issues in Aurora? I’ve got some good news—our crackerjack team of attorneys is all set to lend you a hand. We’re here to break through the legal mumbo jumbo and back you up with solid know-how and genuine care.

We’re Here to Help You Recover and Move Forward

Law Karma’s got your back. We’re not just about the law; we’re about you. Our workers’ comp lawyers know their stuff, tackling all sorts of cases. We’re ready to dish out the support you need to get through this bumpy ride.

Contact Us Today for a No-Obligation Case Review

Need to chat about your workers’ comp claim? Don’t just stew about it—get in touch with us for a free consultation. We’ll chew over your case, lay out your options, and give you some real-deal insights about what lies ahead in the legal jungle. Give us a holler today, book that chat, and start claiming what’s rightfully yours.