how to hire a workers compensation attorney

How To Hire A Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Full Answer

What to do if your insurance doesn't agree with your rating?

If the insurance company doesn’t agree with the rating, it can require you to get an independent medical exam (IME) by a doctor of its choosing. Chances are that doctor will give you a lower rating than what you (and your sore neck) feel you deserve. A lawyer can help convince a judge you are entitled to a higher rating.

What happens if an injury is unreported?

That injury is aggravated further at work, suddenly becomes serious and the employer/carrier says the original injury didn’t occur at work.

What does an attorney do for you?

A lawyer will file the paperwork on time, build your case, negotiate with the insurance company and draft a settlement, if one is agreed on. If it’s not, you’re headed for a hearing.

How long does it take to file a workers comp claim?

Reporting regulations and deadlines vary from state to state, but it should typically take no longer than 30 days to complete this process.

What happens when you lift one?

Halfway through lifting one, your boss shoots you with a bow and arrow. He doesn’t really, but pain shooting through your shoulder and neck makes you think he did. Whether it turns out to be a pulled muscle or a slipped disc, you’re going to need medical help. That means you’re about to enter the workers compensation maze.

Can a worker's compensation settlement be rejected?

They can reject the settlement if they feel it’s not reasonable and the employee is getting a raw deal.

Do attorneys cross-examine witnesses?

An attorney not only will prepare your argument, he or she will prepare you to say the right things in testimony. They also will cross-examine the insurance company’s witnesses. That job should not be left up to amateurs. Unlike civil cases, workers compensation law has a safety net of sort.

Is A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Necessary?

There are certain situations and periods of time throughout the claims process in which it’ll be necessary to be in close communication with your workers’ compensation attorney.

How long do you have to file for workers comp?

After this, you have up to three years to file for workers’ compensation. Failure to file within this window of time can result in you forfeiting your claim. However, it’s vital that you consider whether you need a workers’ comp lawyer well before the deadlines set in the statute of limitations.

How to contact a workers compensation lawyer?

Our workers’ compensation attorneys are standing by. Call (844) 243-4823 or contact us via an online chat today.

How to get a fair settlement for workers compensation?

In order to get a fair settlement, it’s important you to have someone on your side who is equally skilled when it comes to negotiating and navigating the workers’ compensation system.

What are the types of injuries that require surgery?

Repetitive strain injuries. Car accident injuries. Injuries caused by equipment malfunctions. If your injury requires surgery or affects your ability to work for a significant length of time, you should immediately hire a workers’ compensation attorney who can help you get compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.

Does Krasno offer free case evaluations?

Krasno, Krasno & Onwudijno, for example, offers free case evaluations for workers who contact us by phone or online chat. We also don’t charge any fees until we win.

Does Pennsylvania have a statute of limitations for workers compensation?

In terms of your workers’ compensation claim, you must keep in mind that Penn sylvania has a strict statute of limitations, under which you must get treatment from a doctor on your employer’s list of medical providers in a timely manner.

How to find a workers comp lawyer?

To start, gather the names of a few workers’ comp lawyers that you might want to hire. You can find attorneys through the lawyers.com directory or your local bar association’s lawyer referral service. You might also ask friends, coworkers, and family if they've worked with a workers' comp attorney and, if so, whether they had a positive experience.

What to do if a lawyer turns you down?

Just because a lawyer turns you down, that doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t be able to find another one to represent you. Some lawyers are busier than others and more selective about the cases they take on. So keep trying. But if several attorneys say no, you may still file a claim and proceed on your own. Contact your state workers’ compensation agency to get information and the necessary forms. Some state agencies have free assistance programs or ombudsmen to help injured employees through the process.

What to expect from a lawyer meeting?

But you will also be evaluating the lawyers to see if you want to hire them. Pay attention to whether they understand the issues in your case, seem to be good listeners, and answer your questions thoughtfully. At the end of the day, you’ll want to feel confident that your lawyer will handle your case competently, communicate with you regularly, and offer you advice and support along the way.

How to find out if an attorney is licensed?

In many states, you can look up attorneys by name on the state bar website and find out whether they’re in good standing and authorized to practice law. You should also be able to see how long they’ve been in practice and whether they’ve been disciplined for unethical behavior.

What is the most likely case to be taken on by a lawyer?

Lawyers are more likely to take on cases that involve moderate to severe injuries, which could result in larger settlements or awards.

Do workers comp lawyers get paid?

In almost all states, workers’ comp lawyers charge a certain percentage of your settlement or award. If you lose your case, your lawyer isn’t paid. So attorneys might hesitate about taking your case for various reasons, including: