Have You Suffered a Work-Related Injury or Illness?
If you have a work-related injury or illness, you might be wondering if you need to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. After all, workers’ compensation is an administrative process, so it’s not like going to court, right? While this is true, in part, the workers’ compensation system still follows a set of complex rules and procedures. Unless you have a minor injury that requires little time off from work, you should consider hiring a workers’ comp attorney.

This is especially true if your workers’ comp claim is denied, if the severity of your permanent disability is in dispute, or if your injury will have a big impact on your ability to work. In most states, workers’ comp benefits are paid out by insurance companies or self-insured employers who are looking for any reason to deny or limit your benefits. And, they’re not likely to educate you on your right to lesser-known benefits, such as job training and travel reimbursements.

Hiring a lawyer is often the only way to get the maximum benefits you’re entitled to under workers’ compensation laws. A lawyer can help you challenge a denial, gather the best medical evidence, negotiate a fair settlement, and make sure that you’re not leaving any money on the table.

Looking for a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• how long the lawyer has practiced workers’ compensation law
• what percentage of the lawyer’s practice is dedicated to workers’ comp
• who else, if anyone, will work on your case
• how often you will receive updates on your case
• how much you will be charged in attorneys’ fees
• whether you will need to pay for any expenses up front
• how long the case might take, and
• the lawyer’s initial impressions of your case and options.