Your worker’s compensation claim is essential after you've been injured on the job. It will help you to pay medical bills and recover in peace. Unfortunately, some employers and insurance companies will fight relentless to avoid paying these benefits. This is when a specialized, workers compensation attorney or lawyer is necessary. You should understand how attorneys help with worker’s compensation and how to choose the right one.
- How can an attorney assist with worker's compensation?
A lawyer can do a number of things to help you successfully receive worker’s compensation. An experienced attorney will know all the worker's compensation laws in your state and the responsibilities of your employer. This can make it much easier to navigate the legal system. They can help you avoid errors and mistakes that could lead to denied or delayed claims. An attorney knows how to research if an employer has a history of safety issues and injuries, describe your injuries in a meaningful way, deal with insurance companies, and calculate the realistic compensation you need.
- When should you hire a worker's comp lawyer?
You should immediately consider hiring a lawyer as soon as your employer or the insurance company starts to resist paying your worker’s compensation claim. You will also want to hire a lawyer if the events around the injury are being questioned or denied. An attorney should be contacted for any serious injuries, especially if they result in surgery or will have long-term consequences on your health. You should hire a lawyer if the compensation offered is too low to cover your bills and expenses. Finally, you need to hire a lawyer if your claim is denied and needs to be appealed by the state.
- How do you choose a lawyer?
Not all lawyers can provide effective assistance with worker’s compensation. You will want to choose a worker's comp lawyer by comparing the credentials of the attorneys in your area. You specifically want to hire a lawyer with experience handling worker’s compensation cases in the past. You should ask for references from the lawyer to get a sense of how the attorney performs, and choose an attorney with local experience since worker’s compensation is different between states. Of course, schedule an initial consultation to meet and ask questions of the lawyer you’re considering.
- What qualities and experience should you require of a worker's compensation lawyer?
You are going to want a lawyer who has been handling worker’s compensation claims for at least five years, and they should have a recent record of success. You don’t want an attorney with a large caseload because they might not have substantial time to spend on your case. You can look for lawyers with an official certification in worker’s compensation law, although this is not available in all states. You will also want to ask whether the lawyer will be handling the case personally. You need to make sure you have compatible personalities as well. Your lawyer should communicate well and get along with you during the consultation.
