why my workers comp attorney won't send a letter of representation with my case info?

by Molly Feil 4 min read

Sometimes, this is simply because attorneys are too busy and have a lot of cases (as is often the case with workers’ comp lawyers). Other times, however, a lawyer may not be giving your case the attention it needs.

Full Answer

Is your workers'comp lawyer not responding to your emails?

Several months back, I hired an attorney to represent me in my workers' comp case. At the time, I really liked the lawyer and thought he would do a great job in my case. But after a couple of meetings early on, I haven't heard from him about my case. I called and left a few messages with his assistant, but still no response.

Do you know the difference between a workers’ comp attorney and lawyer?

Nov 28, 2018 · Your lawyer has an ethical duty to keep you reasonably informed about important matters in your case. If multiple phone calls and emails have gone unreturned, it may be time to start thinking about hiring a new lawyer. Can I Fire My Lawyer? Finding a new workers’ comp lawyer presents challenges of its own, however.

Do I need a lawyer for a workers'compensation claim?

Dec 02, 2021 · 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. Mistake 11: Failing to Be Honest With Your Attorney. It is imperative that you disclose everything that could be relevant to your case with your attorney.

Is your lawyer dropping the ball on your Workers’ Comp case?

Jun 23, 2021 · One of the biggest complaints about workers’ comp lawyers is that they don’t communicate enough with their clients. Sometimes, this is simply because attorneys are too busy and have a lot of cases (as is often the case with workers’ comp lawyers). Other times, however, a lawyer may not be giving your case the attention it needs.

What to do when your lawyer stops communicating with you?

If you have called your attorney, left messages, sent emails, and you still haven't heard a response, the best course of action is to send a certified letter to his or her office questioning the failure to communicate and informing them that you are prepared to find a new lawyer if the situation does not improve.Mar 29, 2021

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

How quickly should a lawyer respond?

A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.Dec 28, 2019

What does it mean when your lawyer doesn't call you back?

As a general rule, give your lawyer 1-2 days to return your non-urgent phone call; very often, your lawyer may be out of the office for a half-day, whole day, or longer if he/she is in court. ... If your lawyer absolutely refuses to return your calls, get another lawyer.Feb 21, 2021

Why is my attorney not fighting for me?

For example, in a custody, divorce, criminal, or civil case, your lawyer might not be fighting properly. It might be a sign of incompetence or even a conflict of interest in your client attorney relationship. If you believe that my lawyer is not fighting for me, it may be due to the lawyer's style and mannerisms.Jul 24, 2020

What do you do when a lawyer doesn't respond?

If your lawyer still does not respond, you can send him or her a letter explaining the communication problems. If at this point you do not hear anything from your lawyer, you should consult with a legal malpractice attorney.Sep 27, 2018

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.Jan 15, 2010

Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case?

Once a case gets filed in court, things can really slow down. Common reasons why a case will take longer than one would hope can include: Trouble getting the defendant or respondent served. The case cannot proceed until the defendant on the case has been formally served with the court papers.May 28, 2020

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

How do you get your lawyer to respond?

This PTL shows you the four ways to get your attorney's attention, so you can try to repair it:Call Your Attorney.Don't Overreact.Follow Up With a Letter.Let The Attorney Know You'll Find Another.Jun 15, 2015

How do you respond to an attorney letter?

How To Respond To A Legal Letter Like A Lawyer?Step one: Take your time for a legal letter….. but not too much. ... Step two: Don't' give away too much and respond with questions of your own. ... Step Three: Try to keep emotion out of it. ... Step four: Always have your response tested by someone else first.

How long does it take to get a workers comp hearing?

Most of the time, your lawyer has no control over the time that various stages in the process take. For example, it may take several months to get a hearing on schedule because of a backlog at the state workers’ compensation agency. Or it may take several weeks ...

What is the ethical duty of a lawyer?

Your lawyer has an ethical duty to keep you reasonably informed about important matters in your case. If multiple phone calls and emails have gone unreturned, it may be time to start thinking about hiring a new lawyer.

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.

Can you embellish your symptoms?

Sometimes people feel the need to embellish their symptoms or fabricate additional injuries in an effort to strengthen their claim. Unknowingly to you, doctors will generally perform several tests during your examination to determine if you are exaggerating your injuries. While this might be tempting, it can also be the end of your workers’ compensation case.

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.

Your Workers' Comp Benefits Stop Without Explanation

If you’re receiving weekly benefit checks while you’re off work, they’ll probably stop once your doctor has decided that you’ve reached what’s known as maximum medical improvement (MMI)—meaning that you’ve recovered as much as can be expected.

Your Lawyer is Pressuring You to Settle

There’s a big difference between explaining your realistic options and pressuring you to accept a lowball settlement offer. It may be time to adjust your expectations if your lawyer has given you clear reasons as to why the offer is the best you’re going to get, or why your chances of winning at a hearing are low.

How to terminate workers compensation?

In such circumstances, the insurance company cannot simply stop paying you benefits. Rather, they must file a petition with a workers’ compensation judge to: 1 terminate your benefits if the report indicates you have fully recovered, or 2 to modify or suspend your benefits if the insurance company is alleging that you are capable of working in some capacity and work was offered to you that you refused, or, 3 alternatively, they have identified work available through you by way of a labor market survey.

How often do insurance companies have you examined?

The insurance company will have you examined approximately once every six months by a physician that they choose. They call this an “independent medical examination,” though it is hardly independent since the insurance company handpicks the doctor who will examine you.

Do you have to settle a workers compensation case before or after going to court?

Many workers’ compensation cases settle, either before, during or after going to court. There are different types of settlements that an injured worker can enter into, and the type and amount of any settlement will depend on the facts of your case and your condition. Any workers’ compensation settlement entered into must be approved by a workers’ compensation judge before you receive your workers compensation settlement check.

How long does it take to get an impairment rating?

Under the law, after you have received benefits for 104 weeks following your work injury, the insurance company can ask the state to appoint a physician to perform what is called an impairment rating evaluation.

Michael Parsons

Hopefully, you got in touch with your attorney. He/she should be answering your questions regarding your new issues. I do not see a problem with your family doctor prescribing medication. However, it might be difficult to get reimbursed later because the company doctor did not prescribe the medication.

Bryan Sinclair Hawkins

I hate to hear you're having difficulties with a fellow member of the Bar. The above post about customer service is exactly right. Unfortunately, we get incredibly busy and tend to put out the hottest fires or the most expensive ones first. That is no excuse for not getting back in touch with your clients though.

Michael J. Helfand

If you can get a person on the phone at your attorney's office, set up an office appointment. If you still cannot get a response, you can get a second opinion or switch attorneys. It shouldn't cost you additional attorney fees.#N#Unfortunately, attorneys aren't always good at customer service. They should be...