Hiring An Attorney For Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation is specifically for people to get compensated for work-related injuries. While many claimants may represent themselves, they are also able to hire an attorney for a major claim. If there is a significant amount of money at stake, we highly recommend hiring a lawyer, because it will help you get the best possible outcome for your case. However, it is also important that you hire the right lawyer and carefully vet your candidates. Ask as many questions as necessary; having a clear understanding of your attorney’s abilities and experience is key. Below we explain the workers’ compensation system and list some essential questions you should ask your workers’ compensation attorney so you can have the best representation possible.
The Workers’ Compensation System
Workers’ compensation claims are governed by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. You can seek compensation for lost earnings and medical expenses if you suffer a work-related injury. All of your medical expenses may be covered by these benefits, but they may not cover all of your lost earnings. To win, you are not required to prove that your employer was at fault. Even if the accident was your fault, you can recover compensation in most cases. However, a major limitation of your available compensation is that you can’t get non-economic damages like for pain and suffering.
What Should I Ask A Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Most workers’ compensation lawyers, including BCN Law Firm, provide free initial consultations so you can determine if the lawyer is a good fit and so the lawyer can see if they want to take on your case. The initial consultation is the ideal time to ask the lawyer any questions you have. Some questions you may want to ask your potential workers’ comp lawyer are listed below.
How much experience do you have handling workers’ comp cases?
Workers’ compensation law is distinct from other types of personal injury law, and since it works very differently it is essential for your lawyer to have handled plenty of these claims previously so they know what they’re doing. Experience with work-related injury claims alone isn’t enough; your lawyer should have specific experience handling workers’ compensation claims.
How much do you estimate my claim to be valued at?
The lawyer may not be able to give an answer to this question until you’ve provided the necessary and relevant information regarding your claim, so wait until the end of the consultation. In certain situations, even experienced and competent lawyers will only be able to give a “ballpark estimate” due to the amount of moving parts involved, even after a consultation. You should still ask, as you can then get a second opinion and compare.
What is your success rate when handling workers’ comp claims?
Your lawyer’s track record is crucial; experience just isn’t enough. After all, if they have a lot of experience but lose most of their workers’ compensation claims, you probably don’t want to go with them.
How does your fee structure work?
Most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning that their fee constitutes a specific pre-agreed percentage of however much you win. The benefits of this fee structure are:
- You don’t need to pay the lawyers if you don’t win your claim
- You don’t need to pay upfront to hire the lawyer, since their fee comes out of the money they help you win
Contingency fees vary depending on the case, but a typical contingency fee is around 33%. You and your lawyer will come to an agreement on the fee before you start working together.
How do out-of-pocket expenses work?
Out-of-pocket expenses include expert witness fees, court fees, investigation expenses, and any other expenses that go to a third party out of somebody’s pocket. Your lawyer will usually pay your case fees, but will be reimbursed out of your compensation.
Contact Us Today
If you are looking for a workers’ compensation lawyer, BCN Law Firm has successfully handled many workers’ compensation cases and you only have to pay if you win. Call BCN Law Firm for a free initial consultation today.
