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Hiring Workers' Comp Attorney - The Right Time to Lawyer Up

If you've been injured at work, you're likely in pain, struggling to pay bills, and unsure of what to do next. In this scenario, hiring a workers' comp attorney is the right thing to do. A workers' comp attorney is an attorney who has a special license to represent injured workers. If you hire an attorney to represent you, you'll be in good company: more than 90% of injured workers choose to hire a lawyer. Unfortunately, many of them are stuck with a mediocre attorney who makes poor decisions and loses their cases. That's why it's so important to choose a good workers' comp lawyer.

In this article, we'll discuss when it's necessary to hire a workers' comp attorney, how to choose one, and the benefits of having a good attorney on your side.

Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. The Importance of Choosing a Good Workers' Comp Lawyer
  3. When is a Workers' Comp Attorney Needed?
  4. When You're Injured
  5. When You're Terminated
  6. If You're Denied Your Benefits
  7. Permanent Disability
  8. You Have a Preexisting Condition
  9. When is a Workers' Comp Attorney Unnecessary?
  10. How to Choose a Workers' Comp Attorney
  11. The Benefits of Hiring a Workers' Comp Attorney
  12. Conclusion
  13. FAQs

When is a Workers' Comp Attorney Needed?

Male worker using hard hat while clinging from metal rebar
Photo by Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa on Unsplash

If you've been injured on the job, hiring a workers' comp attorney is necessary to protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Below are some specific scenarios where hiring a workers' comp attorney is necessary.

When You're Injured

Man with injury in his arm and holding pills with his other arm.
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

If you're injured at work, a good workers' comp attorney will help you get the medical care you need. They can make sure your employer covers your medical expenses and do everything they can to get the treatment you deserve. A good workers' comp attorney will also help you receive your workers' comp benefits, including temporary disability payments, permanent disability payments, and vocational rehabilitation.

When You're Terminated

If you're terminated from your job after a work injury, a good workers' comp attorney can help you fight to keep your job. If you win your hearing, they can also help you get full reinstatement to your job, which could mean back wages. An attorney can also help you receive compensation for lost wages.

If You're Denied Your Benefits

If you're denied your workers' comp benefits, your attorney will help you appeal the decision and make sure you get the compensation you need to recover. Even if you don't think your case is that strong, it's still worth fighting for. A good attorney will know the best arguments to make in your case and can help you navigate the legal system.

Permanent Disability

If your injury leaves you with permanent damage, you need a good workers' comp attorney to fight for you. The workers' comp insurance company may try to limit your medical treatment or deny your permanent disability benefits. A good workers' comp lawyer can help you get all the benefits you deserve from the workers' compensation insurance company.

You Have a Preexisting Condition

If you have a preexisting condition and you've suffered a work injury, it can be difficult to get the treatment you need. Some doctors don't want to treat you because they don't want to give you the benefit of using a preexisting condition. A good workers' comp attorney can help you fight for the treatment you need.

How to Choose a Workers' Comp Attorney

When you're injured at work, it's crucial to have a good workers' comp attorney by your side. But how do you choose the right one? Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Look for Experience

You want an attorney who has a lot of experience with workers' comp cases. Ask them how many cases they've handled, and how many they've won. A good attorney will be able to provide you with references from previous clients.

Check their Credentials

Make sure your attorney is licensed to practice law in your state. Check their website, and review their education and professional affiliations. Also, check to see if they have been disciplined by any legal authorities.

Look for a Good Reputation

Ask around and see if anyone you know has used a workers' comp attorney before. Look for online reviews and testimonials from previous clients. You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any complaints filed against the attorney.

Consider their Communication Skills

You want an attorney who is easy to talk to and who communicates clearly. They should be responsive to your questions and concerns and keep you informed throughout the legal process.

Consider their Fees

Most workers' comp attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. However, make sure you understand the attorney's fees and what percentage of your settlement they will take.

When is a Workers' Comp Attorney Unnecessary?

Attorney buttoning his suit on a building's staircase
Photo by Hunters Race on Unsplash

While it's always a good idea to consult with a workers' comp attorney, there are some situations where you may not need one:

When Your Injury is Minor

If your injury is minor and does not require medical treatment or time off from work, you may not need an attorney.

When Your Employer Admits Fault

If your employer admits fault for your injury and agrees to pay for your medical treatment and lost wages, you may not need an attorney.

When Your Claim is Approved Without Issue

If your workers' comp claim is approved without issue, you may not need an attorney. However, keep in mind that insurance companies can deny claims for various reasons, even if you are entitled to benefits.

Conclusion

Injured workers often face a challenging and confusing process when seeking workers' compensation benefits. Hiring a good workers' comp attorney can help ensure that you receive the benefits you deserve and protect your rights as an employee. If you've been injured on the job in California, you need the best and most experienced workers' comp attorneys on your side. At our firm, we have a proven track record of helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve. We offer a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the best course of action. With our experience, reputation, and excellent communication skills, you can trust that we will work tirelessly to protect your rights as an employee. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

FAQ

1. Can I choose my own doctor for a workers' comp claim?

It depends on the laws of your state. In some states, you can choose your own doctor, while in others, you may be required to see a doctor selected by your employer or their insurance company.

2. How long does it take to receive workers' comp benefits?

The time it takes to receive workers' comp benefits can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. Generally, you should receive your first benefits check within a few weeks of your claim being approved.

3. Can I be fired while on workers' comp?

No, you cannot be fired solely because you are on workers' comp. If you are fired while on workers' comp, you may have a legal claim against your employer for retaliation.

4. Can I receive workers' comp benefits if my injury was my fault?

Yes, in most cases, workers' comp benefits are available regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

5. How much does a workers' comp attorney charge?

Most workers' comp attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if they win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of the benefits or settlement amount you receive, typically between 10-25%. However, the exact percentage can vary depending on the attorney and the state you're in.

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