Becoming injured at work can be a distressing event. But at the very least, finding the appropriate attorney and securing a reasonable compensation package can help.
If you’re injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. While you can carry out this process alone, it’s wiser to look into skilled workplace injury attorneys.
However, when you do, make sure you choose one that fits the bill and will get you the outcome you deserve.
Also, even if you don’t intend to file a legal claim against your company, the workplace injury lawyer you select has a significant impact on how you handle an on-the-job accident. They can help you keep your work and make sure you’re fully paid for your emotional and physical losses.
So in this article, we’ll run you through seven factors to consider when choosing workplace injury attorneys.
Contents
1. What Do They Specialize In?
Finding a lawyer whose primary field of practice is workplace injury law is crucial. Furthermore, find out if they specialize in case law relevant to your particular work-related accident.
For example, if you slip and fall at work, finding a slip and fall lawyer makes logical sense.
Another issue might be that your accident happened due to another employee neglecting their duties. Yet, if you work in a highly specialist and technical environment, you may need a lawyer who can portray the employee’s neglect in an understandable manner to the court.
So ultimately, try to find a lawyer specializing in your type of work-related incident and know about the kind of industry you work in.
2. What’s Their Courtroom Experience?
A lawyer might have handled numerous cases throughout their career. Yet, a trial isn’t required in every case. So make sure your lawyer has proven courtroom experience before hiring them.
Ask questions such as:
- How often do they go to trial and are found guilty?
- Do they have any courtroom-specific training?
Also, bear in mind that many workplace injury cases tend to get settled outside of court. So you might have a lawyer with a fabulous winning track record, but they may not be able to win your case in court.
Even going to court is something that some lawyers dread. Instead, they may try to reach an agreement with you. To escape the trial, a lawyer may accept a lower offer.
So continue your search if a lawyer appears hesitant to go to court, as they might not be the best representative for your workplace injury case.
3. References and Reviews
Request references and reviews from an attorney if you want to learn more about them. And then actually follow up and check to see if their references exist.
Also, inquire about their experience working with the attorney as you speak with these previous clients.
Ask them questions such as:
- Were they happy with how their case turned out?
- What was the size of their settlement? Was it difficult for them to work with the attorney?
You should also ask any other questions that come to mind. Again, the idea is that speaking with a former client can allow you to gain genuine insight from someone who’s walked in your footsteps.
Another key indicator is to look for online reviews. The Better Business Bureau is a great place to start, and the company’s website should have reviews and testimonials if they’re worth their salt.
4. Success Rate
It may seem obvious, but check to see if you have a real fighting chance by inquiring about the lawyer’s success rate.
It may be that the law firm itself has excellent numbers, but make sure to question the success rate of the lawyer who will be dealing with your case. If you’re not confident with the lawyer assigned to you, ask the firm about other options for attorneys.
Questions you can ask your lawyer include:
- How often do they succeed in obtaining a substantial settlement?
- How many of those situations were like yours?
- How many instances have they won in the past compared to recently?
You’ll want to make sure you hire someone who has recently won cases.
Also, ask about the attorney’s strategy for establishing and winning your case. Learning about their legal method can provide you peace of mind that they’ll be able to win your case.
5. Membership and Certifications
Take a moment to see if your prospective lawyer is registered with the local bar association. If they aren’t, cross them off your list.
As well, before you employ a lawyer, make sure to check their license and insurance information. And check to see whether the attorney is a member of any national or state organizations.
Many organizations specialize in representing individuals who have been hurt in the workplace.
6. Do They Offer Free Consultations?
Most lawyers should offer you a free case consultation if you contact them. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover more about the lawyer.
Inquire about your situation with them. What are their expectations for the outcome? What do they estimate their chances are of winning for you?
Most lawyers will be unable to provide an exact response to the last question. After all, each case is distinct. So instead, they can make an educated guess about the outcome of your case.
7. What’s Their Fee Structure?
Before deciding on a lawyer, ask how they charge you for their services.
Also, find out if they use a contingency fee structure. If this is the case, you won’t pay the lawyer unless you win your case.
Your attorney will be motivated to win your case because of this fee structure. And if you win, they’ll only take an agreed percentage of your gains.
Find the Right Workplace Injury Attorneys
By now, you should be ready to start your search for workplace injury attorneys.
When picking a lawyer for a workplace injury case, keep these factors in mind. And comparing attorney fees is one last piece of advice to go by. Good luck with your case!
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