If you or someone you love has been injured on the job, it is important that they have legal representation. so you should consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer.
A workers’ comp lawyer can help them navigate all of their rights and responsibilities under the law. However, just because you need a workers’ compensation attorney doesn’t mean you should settle for the first one you find online. If you do that, you may end up being injured in other ways, especially financially.
You’ve probably heard stories of workers’ compensation lawyers who take advantage of their clients. Some even charge exorbitant fees or don’t provide adequate representation.
If you’re considering hiring a workers comp attorney, you should be vigilant. Nonetheless, to do so can be a complicated process given the history of worker’s compensation. To help you navigate this process, we have laid out three main questions you should ask a workers’ comp lawyer before hiring them and before you sign anything.
1. How long has he/she worked in the field?
The longer an attorney has worked as a workers’ comp lawyer, the more likely they are to know what is best for your case. It may be a cliche saying, but in workers comp cases, experience is key. They will also understand how the system works and what is required to get you the benefits you deserve. The downside is that it takes time to build up experience. It could take years to become well-versed in this type of law.
In addition, if you hire an inexperienced lawyer, there is a good chance that you will not receive proper representation despite employers’ requirements to carry worker’s compensation insurance. This means you could miss out on some of your compensation. If you choose to go without representation, you will lose your right to sue for damages. That’s why you should consider asking about their experience.
In North Carolina, your first stop should be the NC State Bar. Here, you can check to make sure the attorney has passed the bar and is licensed to practice law.
2. Does he/she specialize in workers comp?
It’s always better to hire a specialist than a generalist. Generalists usually lack the knowledge needed to properly handle your claim. There are many things you need to understand about workers’ comp claims, such as:
- What kind of medical treatment is available?
- Who pays for the medical care?
- When can I return to work?
- Do I qualify for disability?
You can expect to receive the highest level of service from specialists. They can answer these types of questions and give you clear answers. North Carolina has a specialization just for workers’ compensation attorneys. You can find Certified Workers’ Compensation attorneys on the state bar’s website. Oxner + Permar, pllc has multiple attorneys on staff with this specialization.
Specialists will be able to answer all of these questions. Furthermore, they will be able to explain everything to you clearly. This way, you will know exactly what you are getting into.
3. What is his/her success rate?
Many people think that all attorneys are the same. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Some attorneys are willing to settle cases for less than they are worth. Others may try to convince clients to accept offers that aren’t worth anything.
If you want to avoid being taken advantage of, then you need to make sure that you hire someone with a proven track record. If you cannot find anyone who has won numerous cases, then you should probably look elsewhere.
If you hire an attorney with a poor reputation, you will not receive the best possible outcome.
Nonetheless, winning most cases is not the sole standard for the success rate of a workers’ comp lawyer. You should also look into how those cases were won because this could help you determine if he/she is capable of handling your case. Knowing how the workers’ comp lawyer won cases could also be a measure of whether you will be able to actually work with him or her for your case. Sometimes, lawyers and clients have different agendas which can cause problems in the future. Add to that, you should also consider the workers’ comp lawyers’ skill set and overall demeanor.
In conclusion, it is very important to ask yourself these three questions before hiring a lawyer or even a law firm. By doing so, you will ensure that you receive the best representation possible. This is especially true if you are dealing with a complex case. Not every lawyer is qualified to deal with these types of cases.
Nonetheless, it is still wise to seek advice from other sources before making a final decision. This article could be a great and reliable starting point, but there are also other questions that are necessary for you to ask. You should take the time to research those questions and ask the workers’ comp lawyer you are thinking of hiring. The key is to not rush into anything just because you want immediate results.
Speaking to a workers’ compensation attorney at Oxner + Permar, pllc is always free and confidential. Call us today to speak to an attorney about your case. We can answer any questions you may have at 1-800-319-9000.
