Your 3rd-grade teacher must have told you that theirs is ‘no such thing as stupid questions.’ The same cliché applies when deciding whether or not to ask an Orlando worker’s comp attorney the questions keeping you up at night. Here are important questions that you may want to ask your workers’ compensation attorney.
Before hiring
If you did a quick internet search for reliable Florida workers’ comp lawyers, your search yielded many results. So, which lawyer is good for you? Ask the following questions to determine whether or not you should hire a certain attorney.
How long have you been handling workers’ compensation claims and related issues?
The attorney’s response will help you determine how comfortable you are with working with a highly experienced or inexperienced attorney. You might feel more comfortable if you hire an expert who has been practicing law for many years. Again, you might find a young lawyer who is eager and aggressive to do an excellent job.
How often do you represent workers with injuries like mine?
It’s recommended to find an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation law and has handled cases like yours before. Such an expert knows the necessary preparations and working with the insurance service providers or negotiate a fair settlement. That’s exactly what you need.
You probably suffered carpal tunnel syndrome or other cumulative trauma. These injuries are hard to prove compared to other common workplace injuries. Therefore, you may want to take your question a step further and ask your lawyer if they have handled such cases before. Being specific helps an attorney understand your needs.
What’s your success rate?
Focus on finding an attorney who has had success in handling workers’ comp claims. It is much better to work with an attorney with a 70% to 80% success rate than one with less than 40% success rate if both experts specialize in workers’ comp law.
Remember, the specific attorney you hire depends on how you intend to proceed with your claim. So, hire an individual with excellent negotiation skills and isn’t afraid to take your case to court if the insurer isn’t willing to make a reasonable settlement offer.
To what extend will I be involved in my case? Will I have access to the case details?
Some lawyers treat their clients like mushrooms. They often think that the client should be in the dark about some case details. Though an attorney may not focus on your case details 24/7, they need to uphold transparency. Find out if you will be able to access the case details and communicate directly with your lawyer whenever necessary.
Ask the following questions during the workers’ compensation claim process
After hiring the right attorney to handle your case, it’s important to learn more about the claim settlement process. Here are the important questions you should ask.
If I was responsible for the accident, will it hurt my claim?
In most states across the country, workers’ comp is a no-fault program. It doesn’t matter whether you are to blame for the accident or someone else was responsible for the accident. As long as you suffered the injuries while on official duty, you may be eligible for workers’ comp benefits. Your attorney will tell you all the exceptions to this provision.
What should I tell my healthcare provider?
Everything. From the day you suffer injuries while on official duty and seek medical attention, you should always tell your doctor everything, particularly when you are being treated by your personal doctor. If you are being treated by a physician appointed your employer, be careful what you say. First talk to your lawyer. And always tell the truth.
How long before I get compensated?
Every state has unique laws and regulations. Your attorney will help know how long you have to wait before you can get compensated and the specific benefits you are likely to get. Remember, each workers’ comp claim is unique. Depending on the specific circumstances of your case, it might take a short period or long period to complete.
Questions to ask before you return to work
What should I do if annuity settlement checks don’t come?
Some workers’ comp claims settle with a number of future payments. These payments shouldn’t stop the moment you return to work. In case this happens, inform your attorney. If the lawyer and the insurance company had worked out a claim settlement plan that pays guaranteed annuity, you’re supposed to receive all payments according to the agreement signed during claim settlement.
In case I need further medical attention, what should I do?
Your employer’s insurer (workers’ comp insurance) should continue paying for your medical treatment until you recover fully. During the claim valuation process, your attorney and doctor must consider the necessary medical treatments that might be necessary for the future. That means you must ask for a settlement that will cover your future medical costs.
Pursuing workers’ compensation benefits is not as straightforward as most people think. Contact an experienced Orlando workers compensation attorney at Sternberg | Forsythe, P.A. today for a FREE consultation.