Compared to a decade ago, the number of lawyers in the US has increased by 14.5%. With so many lawyers available, it can sometimes feel like a struggle to find the right one. How do you find the best workers’ comp lawyer for your case?
Hiring the right workers’ comp lawyer is essential. Otherwise, you could struggle to receive the compensation you deserve.
You might have to cover your medical bills and lost wages alone.
Instead, keep reading to discover the seven qualities to look for in a workers’ comp lawyer. With these tips, you can find the right lawyer for your case.
Start your search with these tips today!
1. Years of Experience
Are you asking yourself, “Do I need a lawyer for a workers’ comp claim?” Yes! Without a lawyer, you could make a costly mistake with your case.
Start your search by looking for a lawyer with years of experience. How long have they worked as a lawyer? How many cases have they handled over the years?
Check the Better Business Bureau or Martindale-Hubbell lawyer directory as you start your search. Visit your local bar association website, too.
These resources can provide you with biographies for each of the lawyers and law firms you’re considering. Learn as much as you can about each lawyer and their experience.
People develop strong skill sets from experience over time. You don’t want to choose a lawyer who just graduated from law school. Instead, look for someone who can lean on their experience and expertise.
For example, how many cases have they handled that are similar to yours? Your works comp lawyer might have learned something from a previous case they can use when building yours.
The best workers’ comp lawyer has likely built their own reliable network over the years. They might need to lean on their network when building your case. For example, they can use a medical expert to prove how you sustained your injuries.
The medical expert can also show how your injuries make it difficult for you to work.
Choosing an experienced lawyer will give you peace of mind that they can handle your case.
2. Ethics and Good Judgment
No two lawyers are alike. When looking for the best workers’ comp lawyer, prioritize finding someone who is ethical.
Does the lawyer have any complaints filed against them? Did they ever get in trouble with the board? If so, cross them off your list.
In some legal situations, people begin to question their moral values. Look for a lawyer whose moral beliefs align with yours.
Working with a lawyer who maintains the same level of ethics you do will ensure you’re comfortable with your choice. Otherwise, you might not feel comfortable with how they argue your case. They might use dishonest, sleazy methods when building your workers’ comp lawsuit.
Does the lawyer have a good sense of judgment? Can they draw reasonable conclusions based on the details of your case? If not, they might struggle to find weaknesses in the opposing counsel’s arguments.
3. A Strong Track Record
If you want to choose the best workers’ comp lawyer, you’ll need to make sure they’re a winner. Otherwise, you might not feel confident in their ability to win your case.
Look for a lawyer who has a strong track record. How many cases have they worked on throughout their career? How many of those were workers’ comp cases?
How many cases have they won overall? Consider how many of those cases were recent, too.
You might realize the lawyer has improved over the years. That’s great. Comparing their overall and recent track record can help you make an informed decision.
Don’t forget to ask how many cases they’ve worked on that are similar to yours. You might find they’re better with a specific category of cases, like trips and falls.
4. Communication and Analytical Skills
About 73% of employers look for people with strong communication skills. As a client, it’s important to find a workers’ comp lawyer with the same skill set. After all, they’ll need to argue on your behalf.
During your consultation appointment, pay attention to how the workers’ comp lawyer speaks. Do they sound confident? Are they easy to understand?
Make sure they’re a strong listener, too. Did they listen to your explanation of what happened? Did they ask questions?
Your lawyer will need to argue your case in front of a judge. If they’re not a strong communicator, they could confuse the judge.
Look for someone who has the necessary research and analytical skills for your case, too. Lawyers need to absorb information quickly. They’ll need to analyze this information before considering a counter-statement.
Otherwise, they might lose an opportunity to strengthen your case.
5. Empathy
Is your lawyer empathetic to what happened to you? Do they care about you, or maintaining their winning streak? Look for a lawyer who is empathetic for what you’re going through right now.
If they don’t care about your mental and emotional needs, they might not fight as hard for you as another lawyer would.
Make sure to ask your lawyer these questions before hiring them.
6. Perseverance
Remember, you want to choose someone who is dedicated to your case. Otherwise, they’ll only feel motivated by a paycheck.
The best workers’ comp lawyer will commit themselves to your case and needs. What are your goals? Do they have your best interests in mind?
If they only care about themselves, they won’t fight with your needs in mind.
7. The Right Fee Structure
Talk to each lawyer about the contingency fee structure and expenses.
If so, they’ll only accept payment if they win your case. Lawyers working on a contingency fee basis are sometimes more motivated. They’ll want to see you win.
Review the lawyer’s contract. Make sure all included fees and expenses are explained in writing.
Find the Best Workers’ Comp Lawyer: 7 Qualities to Look for During Your Search
Don’t choose the first workers’ comp lawyer you come across. Instead, use these tips to find the best workers’ comp lawyer around. By focusing on these seven qualities, you can find someone who truly wants to help you.
Fight for your rights and receive the compensation you deserve with a Georgia workers’ comp lawyer you can trust.
Do you need a lawyer for your workers’ comp case? We can help. Contact us today to get started.
