When you're injured on the job, representatives from your company might be quick to meet with you to express their concern for your injury and tell you that they're making steps to ensure similar issues don't happen in the future. While this is fine, it doesn't change the fact that you were hurt -- and you might wish to take legal action as a result. Your first priority is to hire a lawyer who specializes in workers' compensation cases. With this legal expert on your side, you're increasing your likelihood of being properly compensated for your injury. Here are three questions to ask when you're speaking to workers' compensation lawyers and deciding who you'll hire.
How Do You See The Strengths And Weaknesses Of My Case?
Asking this question once you've explained the nature of your injury and the circumstances that led up to it gives the lawyer a chance to assess the big picture and explain it to you. Since you don't have a legal background, you really have no idea of whether your case will be successful or whether you even have grounds to move forward with a case. Look for a lawyer who not only outlines the strengths of your case but also discusses the weaknesses with you. For the latter, he or she should be talking about the specific strategies that will help overcome these weaknesses.
How Can I Improve Our Chance Of Success?
Workers' compensation cases rely heavily on the assistance of the person who was injured; don't simply think that your job is done once you've hired your lawyer. Asking this question gives you an idea of how your role will develop. You'll be asked to contribute in a variety of different ways, including speaking with an investigator and meticulously detailing the circumstances that led to your injury at work, as well as attending medical appointments that can document the exact nature of your injuries.
What Could A Settlement Be Worth?
Many workers' compensation cases are concluded with the offer and acceptance of a financial settlement; this is often preferable to drawing out the process by going to trial. It's beneficial to ask each attorney about the probability of getting a settlement, how quickly it might come and what it could be worth. Each lawyer you ask should be able to give you an informed estimate based on representing past clients facing similar cases.
Asking these questions can help you find the workers compensation lawyer most suited to take your case.
