How to Hire a Workmen's Compensation Lawyer

If you feel you are entitled to compensation for an injury, but you can't seem to work out the technicalities of the case on your own, you may need to hire a workmen's compensation lawyer. Lawyers are especially important in cases involving large settlements or when companies prefer to deal with intermediaries rather than the injured parties.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Determine whether you need to hire a workmen's compensation lawyer. This depends on the case you have, how much money is involved and whether or not you have witnesses or proof that your case is real. Easy, clear-cut cases may be resolved without a lawyer.
2. Look for a workmen's compensation lawyer that specializes in cases like yours. An experienced lawyer should be able to arrange a settlement and avoid court, but this is only possible if you consult a lawyer before agreeing to any type of compensation from your company.
3. Get a free consultation. Most workmen's compensation lawyers will offer to evaluate your case and see whether it is worth pursuing. Keep in mind that a lawyer will work for a percentage of your settlement, so he may not be interested in taking the case if he thinks your earnings will be too little.
4. Make sure you understand what the lawyer's fees will cover and how you are expected to cover them. Ask what happens if your settlement is too small or if you lose the case. Make sure you understand whether you are expected to pay for extras, such as stamps and filing fees, out of your own pocket.
5. Ask for references before you hire a lawyer. If you can talk to former clients or research past settlements, do so. Doing these things will give you an idea of what to expect. Ask as many questions as possible about the average settlement in terms of both money and the length of time most cases take from beginning to end.

Tips & Warnings

• When choosing a lawyer, always keep your present job in mind. If you want to keep it, you may be better off reaching a direct agreement with your company rather than hiring a lawyer.
• If you are asked for a cash retainer, make sure you get in writing what it covers and when your next payment is expected.