How to Find a Workman’s Comp Lawyer Near Me

The workers’ compensation system was designed to protect employees who have suffered workplace injuries and occupational diseases. However, insurance companies often deny valid workers’ comp claims. When an insurer denies your claim, you may need to search for a “workman's comp lawyer near me.” Doing so can help you overcome the claim denial so you can get the benefits you’re entitled to.

Initial Consultations: What to Ask During a Free Consultation

Most people who need a Virginia worker’s comp attorney have never hired a lawyer before. And even if they have, it was likely for a very different reason, such as to write a will or help with a speeding ticket.

Your first step toward finding a workers’ compensation attorney will be to identify some prospects who have the background to handle your case. You can gather these names from many sources, including the following:

Referrals

Some of the best sources for gathering names of workers’ comp lawyers often come from referrals by friends, family members, or co-workers. Ideally, you will get names from former or current clients.

These people would have direct experience working with the lawyer on workers’ compensation claims. As such, they could speak to the lawyer’s competence and client-handling skills.

Importantly, negative referrals also give you valuable information about a lawyer. Clients who recommend against using their lawyer usually have good reasons for doing so. Listen to those reasons because they might help you eliminate their lawyer from consideration for your case.

If you cannot find anyone who has worked with a workers' compensation lawyer in Richmond, Virginia, consider talking to paralegals, lawyers, or even judges outside of the workers’ comp practice area. Though they cannot take your case, they may know which lawyers have a good reputation for diligence, competence, and client relations.

For example, a lawyer may have worked in the same firm as a good workers’ comp attorney. In turn, they may refer you to the attorney based on a direct observation of their knowledge and skills.

Legal Directories

Legal directories often provide reviews and even lawyer ratings that can help you assess a lawyer’s skills. Martindale-Hubbell, for example, uses peer reviews to rate lawyers, and Avvo uses a proprietary formula to rate attorneys. Both resources might help you identify prospects to meet with.

Online Searches

You can search online through Google, Facebook, Yelp, or other search engines, but use these resources carefully. Search engines do not verify that reviewers used the lawyer, so their ratings may reflect deliberately skewed results. Also, online search results depend on factors other than competence and experience.

Assessing Experience and Case History

A workers’ comp case can present unique issues. Equally importantly, claimants and their lawyers must use special procedures not used in any other case type. Thus, when searching for a “workman's comp lawyer near me,” you must find one who knows workers’ compensation laws and has experience with the relevant hearing and review procedures.

During your initial consultation, you should ask the lawyer about their experience handling workers’ comp claims. Some injury lawyers say they handle workers’ comp cases but focus primarily on personal injury claims. You need to know how often they handle such cases so you can make an informed decision.

You should also look at the lawyer’s website. Many law firms include descriptions of the cases they have successfully resolved. Additionally, you can search the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission website for published opinions. Case decisions list the lawyers and firms that represented workers involved in these claims.

Understanding Fee Structures

Workers’ comp lawyers in Virginia typically charge a contingency fee, which is calculated as a percentage of the compensation the lawyer recovers for you. The Workers’ Compensation Commission must approve the fee.

The advantage of contingency fees is that the lawyer can start on your case without requiring any upfront payment. Moreover, you owe no legal fee if the lawyer fails to recover anything.

Making the Decision: How to Hire the Right Workman’s Comp Lawyer for Your Case

Once you gather the information you need, you should take time to process it. Picking a lawyer is an important decision, and you should not feel pressured into choosing any particular one. You should also consider meeting with multiple lawyers so you can compare them.

FAQs

Here are some answers to questions people often ask about workers’ compensation cases:

What Kind of Cases Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Take?

You can file a workers’ compensation claim for any work-related injury. This means you were injured on the job in the course and scope of your employment.

You can also pursue workers’ compensation benefits for occupational diseases. These conditions arise from your working conditions. For example, repetitive stress injuries, toxic exposures, and hearing loss might qualify for workers’ compensation claims.

When Should I Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

Insurers can deny claims for many reasons. They can also cut your benefits. You should consider contacting a lawyer anytime the insurer denies or reduces your benefits. You have the right to request a hearing to review such decisions, and a lawyer can help present the evidence and legal arguments that assist you in recovering benefits.

Can a Lawyer Turn Down My Case?

Yes. A lawyer can refuse to represent you for many reasons, including:

• A conflict of interest
• Not enough time to help you
• Your claim was properly denied

If a lawyer turns down your case, continue your search for a “workman’s comp lawyer near me” for a second opinion. One lawyer who refuses representation might even refer you to another.

Find the Right Attorney for Your Workers’ Comp Case

The best way to find a workers’ comp lawyer is to schedule free consultations. Talking to lawyers will help you understand your case’s merits. These conversations will also give you insight into what lawyers do and which attributes you want in the one you hire.

Contact Commonwealth Law to discuss your work injury and your options for pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.