Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Workers injured or sickened on the job have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim and recover benefits. In Vermont, you are not legally obligated to hire an attorney to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, hiring a workers’ compensation attorney is the best way to protect your legal rights and ensure you recover the benefits you deserve. A workers’ compensation attorney can help you prepare your case, gather all the necessary documentation or evidence, and guide you through the whole process of filing a workers’ compensation claim. 

To ensure you hire the right workers’ compensation attorney who can help protect your legal rights and ensure you recover the benefits you deserve, you should ask questions before hiring an attorney. Below are some of the questions to ask during your initial consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney. 

What is your experience handling workers’ compensation cases? 

It is crucial that you choose an attorney with experience handling workers’ compensation cases. An attorney with experience handling workers’ compensation cases knows the laws governing these cases. They are up to date with defense strategies and procedures. Also, an experienced attorney possesses the knowledge necessary for dealing with employers and insurance companies. 

Have you represented people with cases like mine? 

For example, suppose you suffered a repetitive strain injury, which is an injury that occurs because of repetitive motions and constant use. In that case, it’s crucial that you find an attorney who has handled cases that involved such an injury. This is because such claims can be more difficult than other claims. By working with an attorney who has handled cases similar to yours, you increase your chances of success. 

What benefits do I qualify for under workers’ compensation? 

The right workers’ compensation attorney is the one who is able to inform you of the benefits you may be entitled to under workers’ compensation. If an attorney does not know the benefits you could be entitled to, how can they help you recover them? The following are the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to in Vermont; 

• Medical benefits 
• Temporary disability benefits 
• Permanent disability benefits 
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits 

What difficulties do you foresee with my case? 

Asking this question digs deeper into the earlier question about whether the attorney has handled cases like yours. You want to ensure you determine potential problems that could arise along the way and whether the attorney has a proven strategy to mitigate them. 

Will I have access to you and any information relating to my case? 

Even if a law firm has paralegals and case managers who handle part of the work, you want to ensure you work with an attorney you can talk to when you have questions regarding your case. Being able to communicate directly with your workers’ compensation attorney is crucial for the success of your case. 

When will my case settle? 

Most workers’ compensation cases settle out of court. However, an attorney should be ready to take your case to court if you cannot obtain the maximum benefits through a settlement. If an attorney promises that your case will settle out of court within a certain period of time, be wary. 

Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Help 

If you are searching for an experienced and dedicated attorney to help you with your workers’ compensation claim, contact our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC today. 

Source:

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