If you are injured on the job, it's good to consult an attorney who specializes in workers compensation cases.
Having somebody on your side who deals with workers compensation law can save you a ton of grief.
This is especially true if your claim is challenged by the insurance company or your employer, but it's best to get a good workers compensation attorney involved sooner rather than later.
Things to Look for When Selecting a Workers Compensation Attorney
As you go about choosing a workers compensation attorney, keep these considerations in mind
- Pick an Attorney with Deep Knowledge of Workers Compensation - Whatever you do, don't hire an attorney that is new to workers comp cases. An experienced workers comp attorney can identify red flags and possible problems before it's too late to deal with them. So, find a law firm or an individual attorney that has a long history of handling workers compensation cases.
- Pick an Action-Oriented Workers Comp Attorney - Without an action-oriented attorney, your employer's insurance adjuster may drag their heels. If your attorney is willing to quickly motion up the case for trial, you can motivate the insurance company to accelerate their process.
- Don't Waste Time Talking to Attorneys That Represent Employers - Attorneys tend to either represent employers or attorneys, not both. If you find yourself talking with an attorney who represents employers, you are wasting your time and theirs.
- Don't Pay for an Initial Consultation - Workers' comp lawyers should not charge you for an initial consultation. They should be willing to meet with you to assess your case without charging you a fee. If a fee is involved, you may want to move on to another workers comp lawyer.
- Watch Out for Over-Busy Lawyers - In the best of all possible worlds, you are a big fish in your attorney's small pond. That will ensure that you get timely response from your attorney and that they are giving your case adequate attention. So, avoid attorneys that seem too busy to do good work.
- Make Sure You Feel Good About Your Selection - Your attorney should be courteous and professional. They should be good listeners and articulate in explaining your options to you. Go with your gut and your common sense. Cases sometimes go on for years, so having a good working relationship with your attorney is imperative.
As a final piece of advice, it's best to get a referral to a lawyer. We can put you in touch with a workers compensation attorney in your area. Simply complete our Workers Compensation Referral form.