how to know you have a good lawyer workers comp

Ask for recommendations from friends, colleagues, and family members. Many good workers' comp attorneys do little to no advertising, instead relying on word-of-mouth and referrals from satisfied former clients. State and local bar associations and legal aid offices may be able to provide referrals as well.

Full Answer

What should I look for in a workers'comp lawyer?

Because this area of the law is complex and highly specialized, clients are generally not well served by attorneys who try to dabble in workers' comp. The most reliable indicators of a quality attorney — years of experience, depth of knowledge, attention to detail, trustworthiness — are seldom apparent in an advertisement.

When do you need a workers comp attorney?

Jul 30, 2019 · It’s not always easy to tell when you need a workers’ compensation lawyer. But with insurance companies increasingly denying workers’ claims for benefits and the risk for on-the-job injuries as real as ever, workers often need a helping hand. Here is how to tell when you should seek legal advice. Ask Yourself These Questions to […]

How do I choose the right workers'compensation attorney?

Aug 25, 2017 · Search for Workers’ Compensation attorneys in your area. Look at reviews, browse websites, and read attorney bios online. Many firms have social media presences and blogs. Take advantage of those resources to make sure you feel a connection. 3. …

Do you know the difference between a workers’ comp attorney and lawyer?

First, your lawyer should have plenty of experience handling all types of worker’s compensation claims. A legal counselor should also provide you with good communication, keeping you updated on changes as they occur.

Can I file a workers comp claim on my own?

But if several attorneys say no, you may still file a claim and proceed on your own. Contact your state workers’ compensation agency to get information and the necessary forms. Some state agencies have free assistance programs or ombudsmen to help injured employees through the process.

Do workers comp lawyers get paid?

In almost all states, workers’ comp lawyers charge a certain percentage of your settlement or award. If you lose your case, your lawyer isn’t paid. So attorneys might hesitate about taking your case for various reasons, including:

Should I take workers comp earlier?

Lawyers generally prefer to take workers’ comp cases earlier in the process, when they have more opportunities to help. If you’ve already missed filing deadlines or lost at a hearing, it could be difficult to win compensation for you.

What are the most reliable indicators of a good attorney?

The most reliable indicators of a quality attorney — years of experience, depth of knowledge, attention to detail, trustworthiness — are seldom apparent in an advertisement. While it might take some extra effort to find the right attorney for you, it can make all the difference in your case.

What to do if your attorney doesn't return your calls?

If they treat you rudely or dismissively, or don't return your calls promptly, feel free to take your business elsewhere. As your case progresses, your attorney should provide you with periodic updates on the status of your claim. If you rarely hear from your attorney, speak up about your concerns.

What is the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is a great time to evaluate the attorney's professionalism and demeanor when dealing with clients. A quality attorney will answer all your questions patiently and authoritatively, and will listen to and address your concerns.

Do all workers comp attorneys offer free consultations?

Virtually all workers' comp attorneys offer free initial consultations with prospective clients. While your lawyer will certainly ask you dozens of questions related to your claim, you should be asking just as many questions. Remember: This is a job interview, and you are the employer.

What to do if your case is denied?

Make sure whoever you retain will help you get the best possible medical treatment -- that means helping you find a doctor who isn't in the insurance company's pocket -- and will fight for you when the insurance company denies necessary treatments. If your case is denied, your attorney should help you find a doctor who will treat on lien. Care is key.

Can you go to a dentist for knee surgery?

You wouldn't go to a dentist for a knee surgery. Make sure that you're retaining a workers' compensation specialist to handle your workers' compensation matter. Workers’ Compensation is its own body of laws, with its own judges. You want someone who is familiar with the intricacies of the laws, familiar with the board, and also the local judges. Workers’ Compensation law firms also have relationships with medical practices that accept Workers’ Comp. patients, which can greatly improve the quality of your treatment. You won’t get the same level of assistance if Workers’ Compensation isn’t an attorney’s primary practice area.

Why hire a workers compensation lawyer?

The best workers’ compensation attorney knows the law, rules, and regulations inside and out. They represent your best interest and will make sure you received the best treatment and settlement. Find out more.

How do you know if an attorney is not handling your case?

Here are some signs that an attorney is not really handling your case: He or she never returns your phone calls. Your lawyer seems unfamiliar with the details of your case when asked. You rarely, if ever, meet with the attorney in person, and all communication is funneled through someone else.

Can a paralegal handle a workers comp case?

But allowing a paralegal to handle the brunt of your case is NOT. Crooked workers’ comp lawyers often shove much of the work off onto their legal assistants, much to the detriment of their clients.

Can you negotiate a workers compensation settlement?

There has been no effort to negotiate a settlement. A majority of workers’ compensation claims are settled out of court. By negotiating with the insurance company, you can save yourself the time and expense of trial. You will also have greater control over the outcome.

Can a lawyer file a workers comp claim?

Your lawyer will not file other claims. Workers’ compensation claims often stem from safety violations, defective products, or environmental hazards. Crooked workers’ comp lawyers are often unwilling to take on government agencies, and therefore may refuse to file a complaint on your behalf. You might also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit ...

What is the job of a workers comp lawyer?

This means spending at least some time to help you prepare for critical proceedings such as an independent medical examinatio n, your deposition, and the workers’ comp hearing. You shouldn’t have to go into these events blind.

Why doesn't my lawyer return my calls?

Your Lawyer Doesn’t Return Your Calls. One of the biggest complaints about workers’ comp lawyers is that they don’t communicate enough with their clients. Sometimes, this is simply because attorneys are too busy and have a lot of cases (as is often the case with workers’ comp lawyers). Other times, however, a lawyer may not be giving your case ...

What to do if your health insurance benefits stop?

If your benefits stop before that happens and there's no explanation, you should contact your lawyer immediately. It could be a mistake, or the insurance company may have decided to end your benefits for some other reason (for example, because it disputes your treating doctor's assessment of your condition).

What does it mean when a lawyer can't answer questions?

However, if your lawyer can’t answer simple questions about the status of your case, or repeatedly asks you the same questions, it may be a sign of neglect.

When will my weekly benefits stop?

If you’re receiving weekly benefit checks while you’re off work , they’ll probably stop once your doctor has decided that you’ve reached what’s known as maximum medical improvement (MMI) —meaning that you’ve recovered as much as can be expected.

Can a lawyer give you attention?

Other times, however, a lawyer may not be giving your case the attention it needs. You could have a real problem if your lawyer is unreachable for weeks at a time or doesn’t respond to fair requests in a reasonable amount of time.

Can an attorney rush you into a bad deal?

But an attorney who rushes you into a bad deal may not be looking out for your best interests.

Gather Names of Potential Lawyers

• To start, gather the names of a few workers’ comp lawyers that you might want to hire. You can find attorneys through the lawyers.com directory or your local bar association’s lawyer referral service. You might also ask friends, coworkers, and family if they've worked with a workers' comp attorney and, if so, whether they had a positive experience.

See more on lawyers.com

Conduct Background Research

Meetings with Potential Lawyers

What to Do When An Attorney Won’T Take Your Workers’ Compensation Case