Suffering from a work-related injury or illness can entitle an employee to workers’ compensation benefits. Unfortunately many workers’ comp claims are denied, leaving injured or sick employees to face a complicated system of appeals. Navigating these kinds of appeals can be time consuming and confusing, which is why many people hire Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Los Angeles.
Medical documents, insurance forms, and other paperwork can be difficult to sort through and keep track of, so worker’s compensation attorneys can help document the process from start to finish.
These workers’ compensation defense attorneys liaise with employers to settle cases when an insurance adjuster is unable to resolve the case. When hiring a workers’ comp attorney, they work on making sure you can receive your benefits and fight for you when your case is denied based on lack of evidence.
Because attorneys communicate with insurers on your behalf, gather medical evidence to support your claim, negotiate a settlement and represent you at hearing cases, it’s important to follow these five tips when hiring a workers’ comp attorney to make sure it’s the right fit for you and your case!
Tip 1 Look for an attorney that has a thorough understanding of your industry. This helps build a strong case for you. A lot of time, there can be trouble with your employer or their insurance company during the worker’s compensation process and having experience within your industry can greatly help argue your case effectively in front of a judge and help you get the settlement you deserve.
Tip 2 Always request a free consultation with the workers’ comp attorney to have a preliminary discussion about your case and whether they’re the right fit. Many lawyers offer free consultations to clients so that they can review their case. After they have the opportunity to gather the details of your situation, they can have a better understanding of your legal options and in turn, you can have a better understanding of how they can help. It’s important to feel comfortable with the attorney you hire.
Tip 3 Ask for the attorney’s costs before signing with them. Many attorneys in Los Angeles for example don’t charge the workers’ comp clients until they negotiate a settlement on their behalf or win a jury award. Only when the attorney is successful in your case will they take a percentage of that settlement or compensation in return for their legal services. If they are not able to negotiate a settlement, or lose in court, many attorneys will not charge you. Figuring out how much an attorney charges, what they charge for and when they charge can help you make your decision about whether an attorney is right for you. For example, in California, workers’ comp attorneys are paid on a contingency fee, or receive a percentage of certain benefits that they have won for you. Clients don’t pay by the hour, and don’t pay any fees if your case is lost.
Tip 4 Hire a workers’ comp defense firm that is composed of a confidential team to assure all your communications are protected by attorney-client privilege. Always make sure you present this attorney with all possible evidence that can assist your case. Having communications between a client and their attorney for the purpose of obtaining legal advice or assistance should be confidential, as this protects both the client and the attorney from being compelled to reveal confidential communications in a court of law. Any details you share with your lawyer that need to remain confidential will stay confidential.
Tip 5 once you hire an attorney, make sure you discuss all your legal options and their potential outcomes. After carefully considering your options, you can decide what strategy works best for you. Once your attorney has identified persuasive evidence on all issues in your case, you can discuss the most cost efficient, effective and productive means of obtaining that evidence. Even then, your attorney can propose alternate strategies depending on circumstances. When it comes to deciding how to approach your case, your attorney and you can decide whether settling your case is the right move. Most workers’ comp cases end in a settlement, as in the insurance company offers either a lump sum of money or weekly payments for a specified period. Once that period ends, no more benefits can be received, but of course, every case is different.
