An injury on the job can be a major setback for a number of reasons. In some cases, you may be looking at long term injuries, missed time away from work, and costly medical bills. Your expenses may be piling up with no way to cover them, especially if you are only receiving a percentage of your income during the time you are injured. In some cases, workers’ compensation may not be enough to cover your financial expenses. Unfortunately, this could not only impact you, but the children you care for, especially if you are unable to afford child support payments. If you are struggling to make your child support payments, contacting a lawyer can help you to take action.

 

 The following are the steps you should take if you have been injured at work and are unable to make your child support payments:

 

Step #1: Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

After a job-related injury, you most likely will want to take advantage of the workers’ compensation benefits you may be eligible for. This will ensure that you receive compensation during the time that you are unable to work. Working with a workers’ compensation lawyer can help to protect your rights and ensure that you get what you deserve following an accident. However, it’s important to keep in mind that in most cases, if you decide to accept workers’ compensation benefits, you lose your right to file a lawsuit against your employer. 

 

Step #2: Speak with Your Child’s Parent

If you are experiencing financial challenges as a result of your accident, it’s a good idea to communicate with your child’s parent. Keeping them in the know of what is occurring can help them to prepare in the event you are unable to make a payment or need to request a modification. However, it’s important to be aware that if you and your child’s other parent reaches an agreement, you will need to have this adopted by the court. Failing to do so could result in you being found in contempt for not following the child support order. 

 

Step #3: Contact a Child Support Lawyer

It’s in your best interest to work with a child support lawyer if you are unable to afford the child support payments you are obligated to pay. A lawyer will be able to work with you by reviewing your child support order and helping you to request a modification. 

 

Step #4: File a Motion to Modify Child Support Payments

Despite your change in finances, you will still be required to make your financial obligations to support your child. Failing to make payments can even result in wage compensation, despite the reduced income you may be receiving as a result of your accident. If you need to request a reduction in child support payments as a result of your work-related accident, you will need to have your lawyer request a child support modification with the court. The last thing you want is to owe back support in addition to the ongoing payments you should be making. A lawyer can help you to take action. 

 

Workers’ compensation is a benefit available to employees who are injured on the job. These benefits are in place to provide coverage for medical expenses and a percentage of your wages. Unfortunately, this may not be enough to cover all of your expenses, including child support. Balancing your financial obligations with hardship can be stressful. Knowing how to manage child support payments are best suited for a child support lawyer. Contact a trusted and skilled lawyer, like a family law attorney in Fairfax, VA, in your area today for help. 

 

Thank you to the experts at May Law, LLP, for their insight and expertise in family law.