May 22, 2017 · If you sustained a work-related injury in or near Sonoma County, California, you may need legal advice. Whether you have hired a Santa Rosa workers’ compensation attorney or are thinking about interviewing a lawyer, you may need answers to these important questions. 1. Do I need a workers’ comp lawyer?
Jul 16, 2019 · One of the most important questions to ask a workers compensation lawyer is whether he offers a free consultation. Many attorneys do this as a courtesy to a potential client but it’s better to ask and not assume. How Many Years Have You Practiced. Another vital question to ask an attorney is how long he has practiced as a workers compensation lawyer.
If you were injured on the job and you need medical treatment or are unable to work, you might be eligible for workers' compensation to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages.
Generally, you can't sue your employer for personal injury after a workplace injury, even if the accident was your employer's fault. However, if there was a third party involved in the accident, such as another driver in the case of a work-related car accident, or a defective product such as in the case of an equipment-related injury, you may be able to sue the third party for damages.
Unfortunately, many employers and their insurance companies do what they can to limit or deny workers' comp claims. That means you need to take precautions to protect your work injury claim.
The only way to make sure you are getting a fair amount is to work with an attorney who has experience in workers’ compensation cases.
Likewise, there is nothing inherently wrong with either settling or going to trial, but this is important information for you to know all the same. There is a lot of uncertainty surrounding workers’ compensation cases; anything that helps you mentally prepare for a certain outcome can be helpful.
In most cases, no. Workers’ compensation was developed as an alternative to suing employers. It is known as a “no-fault” system, meaning employees have the right to receive compensation following a workplace injury, regardless of who was at-fault (within reason).
Unfortunately, neither you nor your employer can control whether or not your claim is accepted. That decision rests entirely with the workers’ compensation insurance company. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of a claim denial.
Lump sum settlements often seem very enticing at first glance. It is likely to be more money than you have ever had at your disposal at one time. But it is important to remember that accepting a settlement offer will require that you waive your right to pursue further legal action.
A workers compensation lawyer specializes in cases for people with a workers compensation claim. Workers compensation laws protect people injured or disabled while working.
If you’ve never experienced a serious injury, resulting in disability, you may not know what to do. A workers compensation lawyer is experienced and knows the steps for securing a settlement. He will explain the necessary tasks from filing the claim to receiving your recovery.
When considering to hire an attorney you should take your time to find the right professional. Compose a list of questions to ask a workers comp lawyer. If you are unsure of what questions to ask then do some research online. Or speak with someone you know who went through the process of hiring an attorney.
One of the most important questions to ask a workers compensation lawyer is whether he offers a free consultation. Many attorneys do this as a courtesy to a potential client but it’s better to ask and not assume.
Another vital question to ask an attorney is how long he has practiced as a workers compensation lawyer. Again every case is different as are the laws for each state. Yet if your claim is complicated it’s better to hire a seasoned attorney.
Everyone wants to know what they need to pay to receive service. For many people, the ability to secure legal representation hinges on whether they can afford it. Thankfully workers compensation lawyers usually use a contingency fee.
A contingent fee arrangement is when “the lawyer agrees to accept a fixed percentage (often one third) of the recovery, which is the amount finally paid to the client,” according to the American Bar Association.
In California, workers’ compensation provides five basic benefits: medical care, temporary disability, permanent disability, supplemental job displacement, and death benefits. After reviewing the details of your case, your attorney will be able to tell you exactly which benefits you’re entitled to.
However, if your claim is denied or your employer refuses to provide the benefits to which you’re entitled, it’s more likely that you’ll have a hearing.