Did you know that approximately five million workers are injured on the job every year? In fact, a worker gets injured at work every nine seconds.
Worse, workplace accidents claimed the lives of 4,764 workers in 2020. That is a shocking 13 fatalities per day.
That’s why all states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance today.
But while you are covered under workers’ comp insurance, seeking compensation when injured on the job is complex. You need the legal representation of a lawyer to protect your rights and guide you through the claims process.
The question is, how do you choose the best workers’ compensation lawyer? That is what we will cover in this post, so keep reading!
Seek Word of Mouth Recommendations
When settling for a lawyer, it is prudent to go for the best. Unfortunately, so many law firms are out there, so defining the best workers’ comp lawyer can be challenging.
Where should you start then?
A good starting point would be getting recommendations from your acquaintances. Referrals from family and friends can help you recognize trustworthy lawyers quickly.
If you know someone who has previously suffered workplace injuries involving workers’ comp, talking to them would be great.
They can share their experience working with an attorney and whether the compensation received was satisfactory.
Go For Experience
Workers’ comp disputes are generally complex. It becomes even more complicated to work towards solving the matter when you don’t understand the basics of workers’ comp laws.
That is why you should look for an experienced workers’ comp lawyer.
An experienced lawyer has handled similar cases in the past. Such lawyers are exclusively qualified to handle your workers’ comp claim and offer solutions to your problem.
Again, an experienced lawyer understands the ins and outs of the legal process and laws applicable to your case.
Consider the Lawyer’s Specialty
When you meet a lawyer, ask about their workers’ comp law expertise. That helps determine whether the person you are about to hire is a skilled workers’ compensation attorney or not.
The lawyer’s website may indicate that they are specialists, but don’t forget to ask this question.
Sometimes it is even more advisable to find a workers’ comp specialist with previous experience dealing with a case similar to yours. For example, if you suffered repetitive stress injury, it would be difficult to prove such an injury on a workers’ comp claim.
Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to personal injury damages or social security disability in addition to your workers’ comp benefits. So, you are better off consulting with a workers’ comp with a record of success in dealing with your type of injury.
Check Their Success Rate and Prior Case Results
Some attorneys show their previous case results, but others don’t. While some do this as a matter of preference, to others, it is a way of conforming to attorney marketing rules.
It should not be an automatic ‘red flag’ if an attorney does not avail information about their previous success rate or case results. Actually, it can be good because it reflects that the lawyer adheres to professional practice rules.
But if you can access information about an attorney’s success rate and prior case results, this information would be worth considering.
However, take this information with a grain of salt because past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.
So, even if a lawyer has helped 99 percent of their clients secure benefits, remember that the facts of your case will influence your chances of success.
Strong Financial Resources
Attorneys who deal with workers’ compensation cases generally operate on a contingency fee basis. That simply means you don’t pay when the case is in progress.
Instead, the lawyer is entitled to a portion of the settlement if your claim is successful. But you will not pay attorney fees if they lose the case.
The thing is, there are legal costs involved in a workers’ comp claim. For example, an eyewitness can cost more than $3,000.
Unfortunately, most injured workers cannot afford this kind of money. That is why you should go for a law firm with the financial resources to cover all expenses.
Besides, law firms with substantial financial resources don’t charge case management fees.
Check the Attorney’s Credentials
Hiring a board-certified workers’ comp lawyer can increase your chances of success.
Generally, attorneys must practice workers’ comp law for a few years before receiving board certification.
They also undergo a peer review and must have references from local judges and attorneys. Lawyers are also required to meet the continuing education requirement.
So, make sure to check those.
Reputable lawyers actually take pride in their bar memberships and affiliations. So, they willingly provide their credentials and other verifiable details.
That way, it is easy for potential clients to check their credentials and establish whether they can competently handle your case.
Personality and Open communication
Credentials and work history are not all there is to look at when selecting a workers’ comp lawyer. The lawyer’s personality will significantly determine whether you will enjoy the experience of working with them or not.
Finding someone who will make you feel better is essential. After all, you want someone to offer you support and reassurance over the next few weeks or months.
Only hire an action-oriented lawyer who is excited to handle your case. Open communication is also a paramount quality to consider in an attorney. While the lawyer won’t focus on your case only, you need someone you can talk to when needed.
It can be infuriating to be transferred to an intern or the secretary when you have questions concerning your case. You want to work with a lawyer who can avail time for you and is willing to share all information concerning your claim.
Geographic Proximity
Minimally, it would help if you chose a lawyer licensed to practice in your state. This should not be a problem, but it can come up if you search for a lawyer online.
Nevertheless, choosing a lawyer located in your town or city is advisable. It not only makes it easier to meet in person but also increases the chances of your lawyer being familiar with your lawyer and the location of the accident or injury.
Availability to Handle Your Claim efficiently
Lawyers handling workers’ comp cases are usually very busy. Although this could be a good sign that a lawyer has numerous clients, you don’t want a lawyer with so many clients that they can’t give your case the attention it deserves.
Apart from filing your claim on time, the lawyer should thoroughly pursue fair compensation for you. If a lawyer has a heavy work overload, securing payment for your workplace injury could take longer than necessary.
Ask For Free Consultation
Workers’ comp lawyers usually offer a free consultation to potential clients. The consultation meeting can help determine the personality of the prospective lawyer.
The lawyers will likely ask questions regarding your case but be ready with counter questions. Strive to know how they operate and whether they have clarity on your case.
Some of the questions to ask the lawyer include:
- Who will handle my case?
- Is workers’ comp your primary area of practice?
- How many years of experience do you have?
- Have you dealt with a similar case before?
- Can I have references for your previous clients?
- Will you be available to respond to my queries?
Before signing any formal documents, ensure you feel confident about hiring the attorney after the consultation.
Boost Your Odds by Hiring a Workers Comp Attorney
Finding the best workers’ comp lawyer may not be at the top of your mind when you have been injured at work.
You are probably dealing with the stress that comes with an injury, financial challenges, and dealing with the change that comes with it.
However, it is always a good idea to be careful when hiring.
Take your time to ask for recommendations from family and friends. Honest referrals are easy to determine the best workers comp lawyers near you.
Even searching on the internet can help you discover potential law firms within your locality. Follow our tips for hiring a workers’ comp lawyer today for the best outcome.
