subject: Do You Know The Traits Of A Good Workers Compensation Attorney For You? [print this page] The traits of a good workers compensation attorney include, for starters, the ability to provide you with guidance that is in your best interest as well as within the framework of the law. This can be tricky, as the laws that govern workers compensation change in each state and are not always in favor of the injured party.
You don't want to find that you've hired a skeptic or someone who doesn't really support your claim. There has historically been a significant amount of insurance fraud related to workers comp, and an attorney who won't listen to the facts of the case, you can't offer you a sense of comfort regardless of the outcome, and who won't establish that you are legitimately hurt can be detrimental to your case.
Once your initial meeting is complete, you should feel comfortable with their compassion toward your situation and be comfortable with the potential actions that he or she might perform. You will need to hand over your medical records to your lawyer, so if there is a feeling of discomfort you will want to address it right away.
Some workers comp lawyers will tell you right off the bat just how much they've recovered for their clients. Evidence of high awards is evidence that the attorney is well versed in the law and is able to go to bat for those who have been significantly injured on the job. Remember that the workers compensation insurance lawyers are interested in discrediting you, your doctor, and the severity of the injury.
You also want to know up front if there is any potential conflict of interest. Not all workers compensation claims are the end of the story. There are plenty of workers comp cases that end up in court a second time when the victim sues the physician for malpractice. If your doctor referred you to the practice, you might want to check on whether your attorney would handle the case. In many cases, the answer is no, but you can receive a referral to an excellent malpractice attorney.
Of course, some traits are nearly a given. Your case is important to you and it's very important that you have access to communication with your lawyer. Any time you call with questions or you need guidance you should be able to get that information in a reasonable period of time. All paperwork should be readily filed, as missed deadlines can cost you your entire case. Up front communication regarding the lawyer's fees are imperative as well. Most often, you'll find that a percentage of your workers compensation checks end up going to the lawyer.
Make sure your lawyer is willing to jump in between you and the workers compensation representative. Because the representative will be asking a lot of questions and fishing for information it is best that the lawyers take over communication as early in the process as is reasonable to your case.
The process of filing a claim and seeing it through can be long and taxing. The more straightforward information your lawyer is able to provide you with the less frightening the experience is. The traits of a good workers compensation attorney will include an ability to help you through the process and help you respond to the various hearings, meetings, and judgments that are handed down. Your lawyer can be a vital asset to you during this difficult time. The more confident you are in his or her ability to handle things the easier it will be for you to focus on your health and recovery.
