When you’re trying to work through your claim settlement, you’ll probably start wondering whether you need an attorney for your work comp injury. You’ll first have to weigh the benefits vs. the costs and then learn what an attorney can actually do for your case.
No matter the type of work injury you’ve had, be it a back injury or Richmond traffic accidents, an attorney can afford you the peace of mind that comes from knowing someone’s on your side, fighting for your rights.
Benefits and Costs of Hiring an Attorney
Because most people never file more than one work comp claim in their life, they feel somewhat lost during the process. Probably the greatest benefit of hiring an attorney is having someone show you the ropes; you’ll be able to better navigate the claims process and rest easier knowing that your case is being handled correctly.
Do you really need an attorney for your claim settlement? In certain cases, if your work comp injury is minor and you haven’t missed much work, you may be able to handle the claim on your own.
However, this isn’t always the case. If your injuries have caused you to miss a lot of work or have left you unable to continue work indefinitely, it’s just too risky not to have a knowledgeable attorney working on your behalf.
Studies clearly indicate that settlements are much higher when an attorney is on the case, compared to people who try to go it alone. This holds true for all types of work injuries, from Richmond traffic accidents to slip and falls while on the job. In other words, hiring an attorney will boost your chances for greater compensation, something you’ll want to take into consideration when you make your decision.
Some people find themselves concerned over the costs of hiring an attorney. Fortunately, many attorneys work on a contingency basis in which they only get paid a percentage of your settlement.
This works in your favor; you’ll know that the attorney will work diligently to get you the best settlement possible because he or she won’t get paid otherwise. You’ll need to speak directly to your lawyer to investigate fee policies.
Many people aren’t aware of just how complicated a work comp injury claim settlement can be. You’ll have to adhere to rigid time constraints and follow state guidelines to qualify for Workers’ Comp. This is where an attorney comes in.
A lawyer can make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities after your work accident. To begin, you’ll need to find a Workers’ Comp attorney who handles all sorts of accidents, from occupational diseases to Richmond traffic accidents while making job deliveries.
You should feel free to call prospective attorneys and ask if your case is one that could benefit from legal counsel.
What an Attorney Can Do
There are many duties a work comp injury attorney performs that can improve the entire claims process for you. A lawyer will:
- educate and inform you along the way, so you won’t be lost;
- gather lots of evidence pertaining to your case;
- analyze all the legal issues (for example, there may be an applicable third party claim or willful misconduct issues that you hadn’t thought of);
- contact the insurance companies and Workers’ Compensation Commission to file the claim;
- negotiate and push for a higher claim settlement;
- prepare the case for court if applicable;
- offer you advice and assistance along the way, making sure you get all the benefits you’re entitled to.
If you’re ready to start looking for an attorney, you can start by asking for referrals from family and friends. However, make sure the lawyer specializes in Workers’ Compensation claims. If you’ve been injured in Richmond traffic accidents while on the job, then, for example, a nursing home abuse attorney is probably not your best bet.
You’ll also want to schedule consultations with attorneys and get a feel for how they would handle your case. Ask any questions you can think of while you’re there so you can make a solid, informed decision.
Contact an Attorney about Your Work Related Injury Claim
When you have difficulties with your work-related injury claim, a Virginia Workers’ Comp attorney can bear some of the burden you’ve been placed under. To get back on your feet, whether it means getting back to work or getting the benefits you deserve, order a copy of our free book, the Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia, and contact a workers’ comp attorney at the Injured Workers Law Firm for a no-cost consultation – 1-877-755-7744 or 1-804-755-7755.
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.