What To Look For When Hiring A Workers' Comp Lawyer
A worker is eligible to claim and get workers’ compensation benefits if they are injured during the course of their job. However, filing a claim for workers’ compensation is not as easy as pie. It is a hard nut to crack, as both employers and insurers are apt to deny most claims. So, it is always wise to hire the services of a competent and experienced workers’ compensation attorney because only an experienced professional can provide the advice and help needed to get you out of an awkward situation with the best possible positive outcome. Therefore, once you have chosen an attorney to represent you, make sure you attend your meeting with him fully prepared (i.e.: bring your bills, medical records, any relevant photos associated with your case, and your witness contact information with you). This will assist the attorney in their ability to assess your situation and advise you accordingly.
But before making the final decision about the attorney you want to hire, always look for the following options:
- Always seek out an experienced and savvy attorney. Make sure that the attorney has an ample number of references that you can verify and possesses a list of the settlements that he/she has accomplished. Ask the attorney to provide you with the contact information of his satisfied clients and contact them to confirm the information that has been provided to you.
- Consider using the services of an attorney who has affiliations with other professional law organizations, like the American Association of Justice.
- Hire a lawyer who benefits from a good rapport in the sector (i.e. among his colleagues and juniors as well).
- Refer to the list of workers’ compensation attorneys published on the website named AVVO. com. This website weighs or rates the attorneys on the basis of the articles published by them, their education and experience along with the opinions forwarded by their fellow attorneys and clients as well.
- Refer to the list of workers’ compensation attorneys published on AVVO.com as this website weighs or rates attorneys on the basis of their published articles, their education, and their experience along with the shared opinions of fellow attorneys and clients.
- Always aim to hire a local workers’ compensation attorney to handle your case as the rules for workers’ compensation vary from state to state. Only a local attorney can help you understand and navigate your state’s workers’ compensation laws.
- Consider hiring a lawyer who has adequate knowledge and skills to evaluate the details of your case (the ability to understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case and to determine the best way to use these details in strengthening and supporting your case) and has the capacity to ensure that you earn the maximum amount of workers’ compensation benefits.
- Consider hiring a lawyer who can represent you at administrative hearings if the insurer refuses to accept your claim.
- Consider using the Lawyers.com directory to search for your local workers’ compensation attorney because it provides attorney-specific information which includes their contact details, reviews, and ratings.
- Another source to consider in your search for a reputable workers’ compensation attorney is the referral services provided by State and local bar associations.
- You can also ask for recommendations from another lawyer, such as one who handles your other legal matters (i.e.: taxes, real estate, etc.).
- Before hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, always make sure that you inquire about their billing processes and payment expectations. Most lawyers work on a contingency basis which means that their fee is a set percentage of the proceeds that you will acquire from your claim.
- Always choose the lawyer who seems to understand your issues and can present you with the best legal advice (i.e.: he should be well-informed about how the law can be advantageous to your situation).
- Inquire whether the attorney himself will be handling your case and or representing you in courts of law or if his clerks, paralegals, or associate attorneys will be handling your case and representation. Also, if his paralegals are going to represent you in settlement talks and administrative hearings, ask about whether they have the knowledge, skills, and ability to handle critical situations.
- If you are critically injured and do not have the money to sustain yourself, always look for a lawyer who can educate you about alternatives to workers’ compensation that can carry you over while you are waiting for your claim to process and take effect.
- Always consider the fact that the attorney you hire should be properly assessing your medical costs and rehabilitation costs as they are approved and granted by the state law.
Contact the Law Office of Andrew S. Kasmer P.C. to acquire fair compensation for the difficulties that you have had to contend with due to your work injuries. Our proficient workers’ compensation attorneys will surely help you earn the maximum workers’ compensation benefits for which you are eligible.