Reaching Out: How The Right Legal Avenues Can Help

What to Look for in a Compensation Attorney

6 January 2016 by Jessica Spencer

Choosing a worker's compensation attorney shouldn't be done quickly, as you want to ensure you choose one that will fight hard for your case. On the other hand, you also want to ensure you choose one that asks the right questions and has a realistic view of your case, not one that promises things they cannot deliver. How do you know the best way to choose such a compensation attorney? Note a few things to look for when you have a compensation case you may need to file against a workplace, store, and so on.

1. Do they ask questions about your medical condition?

You may not like having to speak to an attorney about your medical condition, but they should ask questions about how you've been affected after a slip and fall, work-related injury, car accident, and the like. Your medical condition usually affects the amount of compensation you would get; for instance, if you have a permanent limp or scar, you may be eligible for more compensation than if your injury simply heals on its own. Be prepared to bring in your medical records, x-rays, and the like when meeting with an attorney and consider it a good sign if they ask for these details.

2. Do they ask questions about your own conduct or contribution to your injury?

You may not like the idea that an attorney asks about how you may have contributed to your own injury, but it's good for him or her to know this, as it's sure to come up during your negotiations or court case. If you were driving erratically and contributed to an accident or were ignoring safety protocols at the workplace, this can affect any settlement offer you might receive and if you're even eligible for a settlement at all. These questions are a sign of a competent attorney who is looking to do this job properly.

3. They should be upfront about their costs and expenses

An attorney is usually compensated for their legal expenses on top of their fees, and they should be very transparent about what you can expect by way of these expenses. This might include filing fees, postage, travel costs, and so on. If they're not upfront and transparent about their fees and expenses, you might be in for some surprises once you get a settlement or other such offer from an insurance company. Don't be overwhelmed by an attorney who starts to talk numbers with you, but consider it a good sign.

For more information, contact a local law firm like Young And Muggleton. 

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