How to Find the Right Worker's Comp Lawyer for You
If you need help with a worker's compensation claim or want to appeal a denial of worker's compensation benefits, then you may need a worker's comp attorney. But how do you find the right one for you?
Choosing the right attorney may have a profound impact on your ability to obtain worker's compensation benefits or other compensation. And there's likely to be a number of attorneys willing to take your case.
So which worker's comp lawyer should you hire, and where should you start looking for one? Here are a few tips you may want to consider:
Get a List of Names
The first step in picking an attorney is finding a pool of possible choices, and there are many ways to go about this. For example:
- Word-of-mouth recommendations. If you already work with an attorney for estate planning, business litigation, or another legal area, he or she may be able to recommend attorneys who specialize in worker's compensation. Colleagues, family members, and friends who have been through the worker's compensation process may also be able to recommend (or warn you against) working with a specific attorney.
- Your local bar association. You may also find local attorneys by calling your state or local bar association. Some will refer you to a particular lawyer, while others may be able to provide you with a list of lawyers to consider.
- Online lawyer directories. These directories (like FindLaw's Lawyer Directory) typically allow you to search for a specific practice area, such as worker's compensation lawyers, within your geographic area. They're also available 24 hours a day, and may even link you to the lawyer or law firm's website.
Learn More About Each Attorney
Once you've compiled a list of potential attorneys, you'll want to do some research into each attorney. The most obvious place to start is making sure the attorney is licensed to practice law in your state and has not been subject to discipline for unethical or criminal behavior. Each state has a disciplinary organization which monitors attorneys and makes that information available online.
The last, and arguably most important part of the process, is setting up a time to speak with each attorney either in-person or over the telephone. In addition to allowing the attorney to hear about your specific legal needs, this will also allow you to ask the attorney some important questions of your own. Typically, these questions should include:
- How much experience do you have in worker's compensation?
- How big is your current caseload?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine or in the same industry?
Often, attorneys will provide a free consultation to prospective clients. That gives you a chance to explain your situation in depth, and get an honest assessment from each lawyer of the merits of your case.
Related Resources:
- Hurt on the job? Have your injury claim reviewed for free. (Consumer Injury)
- Workers' Comp or Lawsuit? 3 Considerations (FindLaw's Injured)
- Workers' Comp Benefits: How Injured Do I Have to Be? (FindLaw's Injured)
- Injured at Work? 3 Potential Options for Recovery (FindLaw's Injured)