how to persuade worker comp attorney

by Elinore Rath 9 min read

When to get a lawyer for a Workers Comp case?

Nov 11, 2019 · Workers’ comp attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis, which means that they take a certain percentage of your settlement or award. Nearly all states set a maximum cap on the percentage (usually 10% to 20%), and most states require a judge to approve the fee. (Learn more about how much injured workers paid their lawyers.) Make sure the lawyer fully …

What should I look for when hiring a workers'compensation lawyer?

Apr 04, 2014 · Workers’ compensation defense attorneys often simply inform clients that the going rate for a standard-type of injury is this or that. While the client certainly needs to know the going rate, that cannot be where the analysis ends. ... medical and legal evidence that might persuade the judge that the “work-related” component of the ...

What does a workers'comp lawyer near Tampa do?

Dec 02, 2021 · An experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney will be able to discuss these facts, pointing out anything that you may not have even considered. An adept workers’ compensation attorney will evaluate any proposed settlement objectively and make any appropriate recommendations before you sign or agree to anything.

How do I find a good workers’ comp lawyer?

A workers’ comp attorney helps employees who have suffered on-the-job injuries and have been retaliated against for filing a workers’ compensation claim. They handle complaints from employees that have been hurt due to dangerous working conditions, unavoidable accidents, faulty machinery, or inadequate training.

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Can I file a workers comp claim on my own?

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.

Should I take workers comp earlier?

Lawyers generally prefer to take workers’ comp cases earlier in the process, when they have more opportunities to help. If you’ve already missed filing deadlines or lost at a hearing, it could be difficult to win compensation for you.

Gather Your Information

You should be ready with a brief summary of what has happened in your case so far. Lawyers like to go through events chronologically, so it will help to create a short timeline of the events, including:

Bring the Right Documents

You should also collect documents and other relevant information to bring to your meeting, including:

Prepare a List of Questions to Ask Your Workers' Comp Lawyer

Initial consultations are also an opportunity for you to evaluate whether you want to hire a lawyer. You’ll want to get a feel for whether attorneys you're meeting have the time and experience to handle your case, and whether they’re the best fit for you.

How long does it take to get a notice of injury in Louisiana?

In every state, there is a statute of limitations. This regulation is the window of time following the date your accident took place. In the state of Louisiana, the statute of limitations is one to three years, and you have 30 days to give notice of your injury to your employer.

Is there a right or wrong time to settle a case?

There is no right or wrong time to settle. However, your attorney should have the previous relevant knowledge and experience necessary to help estimate a reasonable settlement amount and provide guidance if there is an opportunity to push for a better offer.

Is fault a factor in workers comp in Louisiana?

Unlike personal injury claims, such as a car accident, fault is seldom an essential factor in workers comp claims in the state of Louisiana — it doesn't matter whose fault the accident was.

Is it normal to shop around for an attorney?

Like therapy or a good mechanic, it's normal to shop around for an attorney. Most attorneys offer a free consultation and case evaluation so you can sit down and find out as much as you can about his or her legal practice and expertise.

How much can a permanent disability reduce income?

One study found that permanent disabilities can reduce the income of an injured worker’s by as much as 30%. And that’s only the reduced rate for the year following the injury. Meaning, injured workers can lose even more if their disability worsens.

How many discriminatory charges were filed in 2018?

In 2018, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission received 39,469 retaliation reports. That represents 51.6% of all 76,418 charges of workplace discrimination that year.

Can you be harassed by your boss after filing a workers comp claim?

These acts can be subtle, such as always questioning your work or judgment. Your boss may also be harassing you by increasing your workload without extra pay.

Can I get workers comp and disability?

You can get workers compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits together. However, depending on their combined amount, either one could get reduced. This will apply if all your benefits exceed 80% of your average pre-disability income.

What is the best way to win a workers compensation case?

For the best possible outcome in your workers’ compensation case, you should hire an experienced attorney that has a proven record of success in various types of workplace injury claims.

What does it mean when a worker is embarrassed?

At the time of an accident or injury a worker may be embarrassed, dazed or disoriented. They may not be thinking as clearly as they normally would, even if they have no outward appearance of injuries.

How to keep track of doctor visits?

A good method to accomplish this is to purchase a separate calendar to keep track of your doctor’s visits and symptoms. It can be a wall or pocket calendar, or something as simple as a printout from your computer. Finally, make sure to keep copies of everything, including all costs associated with the injury.

Can an injured worker make a mistake?

This is the greatest mistake an injured worker can make. As stated above, it is extremely tempting to do things for one’s self, especially when living alone. However, it is the one time when you do venture down the driveway to get that heavy package out of the mailbox or carry in that bag of groceries when you are caught in the act by a zealous insurance adjuster who has sent out a private investigator for the sole purpose of discrediting the inju red worker.

What is an adjuster's job?

They work for the employer’s insurance company. The adjuster’s job is to pay you the least amount of benefits and that is in the best interest of his or her employer. This is not to say that all employers or their insurance companies, are out to intentionally deceive people.

How can a claim be diminished?

Another way your claim can be diminished or denied is by not following your doctor’s treatment plan or advice. If your doctor orders follow-up tests or physical therapy, it is extremely important that you follow up on everything, even if you are feeling better.

Do you have to give a recorded statement?

You do not have to give a recorded statement or sign a medical authorization. Much like a criminal case, anything you say can and will be used against you. My clients are often shocked when they find out they were never required to give a recorded statement. The adjuster may tell you they can’t proceed with your claim until you sign certain paperwork.

What is a Florida workers compensation lawyer?

A Florida workers’ compensation lawyer advocates on behalf of workers in multiple industries, including construction, utilities, office workers, and many more.

What does a work injury lawyer do?

A work injury lawyer leads the fight against bullying employers and insurance companies so you can get the compensation you deserve after being injured on the job.

Can an employer threaten to discharge an employee?

No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate or coerce any employee by reason of such employee’s valid claim for compensation or attempt to claim compensation under the workers’ compensation law. Florida law is clear. If you have been threatened, intimidated, coerced, or wrongfully terminated after you have been injured on ...

What is workers comp in Florida?

Meaning, regardless of fault or negligence, employees who are injured on the job have a right to compensation. A Florida workers’ comp lawyer may also file a case against a third party if an employee was injured by machinery or a product while on the job. The manufacturer may be held liable for damages due to the injury.

Is it illegal to retaliate against an employee who is a worker's comp worker?

Retaliation against employees who file a workers’ compensation claim is illegal. While most employers understand the law and follow it, some companies terminate, demote, or cut the wages of an injured worker. They are not looking out for your interests. Their only concern is an absence that must be filled, or insurance rates will increase. A workers’ compensation attorney works hard for the best possible outcome for you.

What is medical record?

medical records, a letter from a physician on how the injury was related to the job, how it affects you and your ability to work, and. potentially call on a medical expert about your health situation concerning your ability to go back to work and perform your duties. Employers and insurance companies will be given an opportunity to counter ...

What are the causes of mesothelioma?

Injuries to the spinal cord, neck, back or other body parts. Head injuries. Loss of hearing or sight. Sickness or disease such as mesothelioma due to exposure from toxins.

What is Burr and Forman LLP?

The Tampa, Florida, law office of Burr & Forman LLP represents companies dealing with workers' compensation claims. The firm helps companies identify fraudulent claims, as well as claims ineligible for workers' compensation, and it provides legal support through negotiations or litigation. The law office also represents companies facing issues with the American with Disabilities Act and the Medical Leave Act. It provides training and advisory services to help companies maintain compliance and improve documentation to minimize workers' compensation claims.

What is Florin Gray Bouzas Owens?

Florin, Gray, Bouzas, Owens LLC is a civil litigation law firm. The firm's team of workers' comp lawyers near Tampa represent and advise employees who have been injured while working and are looking for compensation from their employers for their hospital bills, lost wages, and physical suffering. The team also works with those who are being retaliated against for filing a workers' comp claim. Partner Wolfgang Florin has been board-certified in the field of labor and employment law.

Where is Kaylor Kaylor & Leto PA?

The Law Firm of Kaylor, Kaylor, & Leto PA is situated in Tampa, Florida , and has handled workers' compensation cases for over 35 years.The firm's legal team advises injured workers on eligibility requirements, helps file important paperwork, and fights to ensure that clients receive all the benefits they are entitled to. If the employee is denied benefits, the firm will go through the necessary steps, including appeals and litigation.

Who is Bryan Caulfield?

Bryan Caulfield is a Tampa, Florida, personal injury attorney that has been handling workers' compensation cases for over 25 years. Caulfield's legal team advocates for the rights of clients that have been injured while working in the transportation, manufacturing, and construction industries, in addition to commercial fishers, electricians, and steel- and ironworkers. The firm seeks restitution for workers' claims that may have been denied. Additional practice areas include car accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.

Where is Mike Winer?

Mike Winer Law is a law firm located in Tampa, Florida, that was founded in 2006. It offers legal representation services for persons with workers' compensation cases. Other legal services include help with Social Security disability and premises liability cases. The firm also handles professional sports injury and business law cases. Mike Winer, an attorney of the firm, is a member of the Hillsborough County Association, the Florida Justice Association, and the Florida Workers Advocates.

Who is Richard Osborne?

Richard W. Osborne is a Tampa, Florida, workers' compensation attorney, who has been representing clients injured on the job for more than three decades. The firm focuses exclusively in the area of workers' compensation law. It also serves clients in several areas related to workers' compensation, such as Social Security disability claims and Longshore and Defense Base Act cases. Mr. Osborne helps injured employees obtain compensation for medical bills, rehabilitative services, prescription drugs, and lost wages.

What is Cole Scott and Kissane?

Cole, Scott, & Kissane PA is a law firm located in Tampa, Florida, that offers workers' compensation services to residents in the Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, Plantation, Pensacola, and West Palm Beach areas. The firm represents insurance carriers and self-insured companies. A dedicated team litigates on behalf of clients injured in accidents that may be covered under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. Other practice areas include business and family law.

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Gather Names of Potential Lawyers

  • 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.
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Conduct Background Research

  • Before you start making calls or appointments, do some background research about the lawyers on your preliminary list. First, you should verify that the attorneys are licensed to practice law and not facing any disciplinary charges. 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. Y…
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Meetings with Potential Lawyers

  • Once you have a shortlist of two or three lawyers, you should contact them to set up consultations. Workers' comp lawyers typically don't charge a fee for the initial meeting, which may happen by telephone or in-person. If attorneys can’t schedule a meeting promptly, it may be a sign that they’re too busy to take on your case. You should come to these consultations with all …
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What to Do When An Attorney Won’T Take Your Workers’ Compensation Case

  • In almost all states, workers’ comp lawyers charge a certain percentageof 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:
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