If you suffer a work injury or illness from work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits through your employer’s insurance. Workers’ compensation claims can be complex, and it is recommended to consult an attorney if problems arise. Researching attorneys may seem daunting, but with a little effort and time commitment, finding the right one can make a difference in your case.

Start by gathering names of workers’ comp attorneys in your area using online legal directories, your local Chamber of Commerce, or advertisements. You can do a substantial amount of background research online through individual attorney’s websites and pulling records, reviews, and media coverage through search engines. Key information to look for includes:

Workers’ compensation experience and success rate.
Professional organization memberships.
Workers’ compensation law information on the attorney’s website, such as blog posts, articles, presentations, and more.
Client testimonials.

Once you have compiled the information and narrowed your selection to a few names, you should contact them to schedule a consultation.

What Should I Expect During the Consultation?

The majority of workers’ compensation attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss the particulars of your case and for you to decide whether or not they are the right choice for you. Use this time wisely, come prepared with all relevant information and evidence, and ask questions, such as:

How much of your practice is concentrated on workers’ comp claims, and how long have you handled such cases?
What is your success rate in workers’ compensation claims?
Do you foresee any potential complications with my claim?
Will you represent me throughout the entire process, or will an associate, legal assistant, or paralegal handle the majority of the case?
Do you communicate often?
Can you explain the workers’ comp claim process?
Do you arrange for clients to receive consultative medical examinations?
Could you explain how your fees are charged and what percentage of any compensation would be owed?
If you work on contingency, are there additional fees not included?
How is compensation for my case determined?

You do not need to make a final decision during the consultation process. Ideally, you should speak with several attorneys before making a final decision and signing an agreement.

What Factors Influence Whether an Attorney Will Take My Case?

Having a consultation with an attorney does not mean they will be interested in taking your case. There are many reasons for this, one being payment. Attorneys who work on a contingency basis, meaning they are not paid if your case is not successful, may hesitate to take cases that are difficult to prove or result in low or no compensation. Such factors include:

Type of injury: Chronic conditions that develop over time are often more difficult to prove, such as toxic exposure or repetitive strain injuries. Workers’ comp attorneys know from experience when there is little chance they will be able to obtain benefits for you.
Extent of injury: Attorneys are less likely to take cases involving minor injuries with low workers’ comp payouts.
Evidence: Attorneys are more likely to pass on cases with poor evidence supporting your claim.
Claim status: Hiring an attorney during mid-process can be difficult, and some attorneys may turn down cases at this stage because chances of securing a settlement are low.

Attorneys do not operate the same. One declining to take your case does not mean others will as well. It may simply be the attorney you speak with does not have the time to take on another case, so do not be discouraged, and keep looking for the right attorney for you.

Tinton Falls Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams Help Clients Suffering From Work-Related Injuries

If you have been injured on the job and need help with your claim, a Workers’ Compensation lawyer at the Law Offices of Michael S. Williams is here for you. Call 732-351-2800 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices are located in Tinton Falls and New Brunswick, New Jersey and we serve not only clients in Monmouth and Middlesex County, but throughout the state.