As a general rule, employees who are injured at work are not permitted to sue their employer. Rather, their sole remedy is often Workers’ Compensation benefits. Are you receiving the correct amount of Workers’ Compensation benefits? Are you getting the medical treatment that you need to get well? Will you receive money for your permanent injury? How can you be trained for a new occupation? These are just some of the many issues that a Workers’ Compensation lawyer can address for you.
Questions to Ask and Information to Obtain About Your Prospective Attorney:
- Does the lawyer have experience representing injured workers, insurance carrier and/or employers?
- How long has the lawyer been doing this type of work?
- Does the lawyer have experience with your particular type of case (e.g., emotional distress/chemical exposure claims are very different than a back injury case)?
- Who will be working on my case, a lawyer, a certified workers’ compensation representative, or both?
- Does the lawyer participate in local, state and national bar/Workers’ Compensation associations?
- Does the lawyer teach other lawyers about how to handle Workers’ Compensation cases?
- If you are a federal employee, you should ask specifically whether the lawyer has ever handled a federal Workers’ Compensation case.
- Can the lawyer provide you with the name of a former client or two that would be willing to discuss their experience with the lawyer?