It’s easy to detect red flags in certain situations. When purchasing insurance, for example, this can take the shape of a pesky agent who won’t stop trying to up-sell and won’t hear you request out. But as most folks are more acquainted with insurance than the workers’ compensation process, it can be tougher to notice the signs that a specific workers’ compensation lawyer isn’t the best choice for your needs.
To help you find the right workers’ compensation attorney, take note of the following tips:
Read client testimonials.
Testimonials are a perfect place to get started because they let you hear from former clients who have worked with the lawyer. However, be conscious about the source of the review. For accurate reviews, look for independent consumer watchdog sites or scan through comments on social media.
Put weight on experience.
More experienced attorneys will generally charge more than those with less experience, but don’t just look at the price. In most cases, these lawyers can give you a much better chance of taking home you a bigger settlement deal or compensation. After all, workers compensation attorneys are normally paid on contingency basis, which means if you lose your case, you pay them nothing (outside of miscellaneous costs, such as filing fees, photocopying fees, etc.).
Interview the lawyer.
There are specific questions you have to ask your prospective attorney on your first consultation. Ask them to orient you about the process, for instance, and whether they can give you an overall picture of how your case could work out. Take note that you are the one hiring them, not vice-versa, so don’t be pressured into giving your commitment or agreeing to anything unless you’re happy with the attorney. See how they handle your questions to know if they’ll be a great fit for your scenario.
Find a lawyer who has case-specific experience.
There are several sub-specialties within the workers’ compensation specialty, so make it a point to find someone with a vast experience handling claims like yours. Some workers’ compensation lawyers handle mostly construction personnel issues, while there are those who have more expertise with spine injury claims.
Listen to your gut.
Lastly, if a lawyer attorney has answered all your questions, but you feel something is just off, don’t hesitate to look elsewhere. A lawyer can sound perfect when talking to you personally, but if they’re almost never available to speak to you on the phone or at least text or email you back, then trust your gut and keep your mind open. If you don’t do that now, you may have to endure them for the rest of your case.