Every year, millions of Americans suffer work-related injuries. Out of these cases, close to 5,000 are fatal. Although industries such as construction have more work-related injuries, there is still a risk of getting hurt in all sectors. Depending on the severity of your injury, you are entitled to some form of compensation from your employer. However, getting fair compensation on your own may not be easy, and the services of a lawyer are almost always necessary. This article will highlight qualities to look for in work-related injury lawyers to ensure that you hire the right legal help.
1. Empathy
Personal injury lawyers should provide more than just legal representation and advice. A good lawyer will be just as interested in how you are doing as in winning the case. This will most likely be a difficult time for you. You’ve just been injured, medical bills are piling up, you do not have the capacity to work, and you still have a family that needs to be cared for. Such pressures can weigh heavily on someone and can make some people eager to accept a quick settlement. An empathetic lawyer will not only seek out the best settlement for you but will also encourage you to hold on. Also, gaining a greater understanding of your situation beyond the injury will allow your lawyer to fully articulate your pain and suffering.
2. Sincerity
There is usually some level of uncertainty with every personal injury claim. You may be optimistic that you can get a good settlement but also afraid that you may not. On top of the pain and suffering, the last thing you want is a disappointment. It is essential that you get a lawyer who will be honest with you during every step of your claim. Unfortunately, there are some unscrupulous attorneys who may promise to get you huge settlements just so that you will hire them.
3. Settlement Record
The lawyer you choose to represent you on your work-related injury claim should be motivated to get you the best compensation package possible. However, not everyone has your best interest in mind. There are law firms that thrive on settling many cases as quickly as possible. If you are injured, a quick settlement may sound like a great deal. However, it does not necessarily mean you are getting a fair settlement. You need an attorney that will spend the necessary time and dedication to your case to ensure the settlement you get adequately covers your medical expenses, your pain and suffering, as well as your past, present, and future lost income. You should, therefore, be careful when you are hiring an attorney. Although you want one with a great record for settling cases, one who settles too many cases should also be a concern. Get more information on the settlement packages that clients with cases similar to yours have received.
4. Area of Specialty
Personal injury claims vary in nature, and therefore, they require different approaches. There are many attorneys who purport to handling all types of personal injury claims. It is well within their right to do so, but is a lawyer who handles traffic accidents the best one to handle your work-related injury claim? Although even a criminal defense attorney can represent you, it may not be the best move on your part. Personal injury claims require specific expertise that can only be honed through learning and experience. To get the best settlement possible, you need an attorney specialized in work-related injuries.
5. Reasonable Payment Expectations
When you are off work and have medical bills piling up–along with the worry of what the future holds–is definitely not the best time to incur more bills. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means that they will get a cut of the settlement you receive. However, some attorneys will claim no fees are charged unless you win, but then they expect you to cover all of the out-of-pocket expenses. With the best personal injury attorneys, you will not have to pay anything unless you get a settlement.
6. Availability
During the claim period, there will be a lot of worry and anticipation. It is important that the lawyer you choose to represent you will be available to address any concerns and questions that you or your family might have. Be wary of someone who is not willing to provide you with a direct communication channel. A lawyer who is too busy with other cases will not be able to dedicate enough time and resources to yours. Your lawyer should be ready and willing to give you the honest prospect for your case at the onset. This will help prevent any unnecessary anxiety and disappointment later.
7. A Strong Advocate
A good work-related injury attorney will ensure that the only thing you have to worry about is recovering from your injury. Otherwise, you may keep getting calls from insurance adjusters who are only trying to sniff out mistakes that can weaken your claim. Also, it is important that your lawyer is able to keep you from worrying. They should have a strong and experienced team that is easily accessible to give you progress reports on your case. Your relationship with your attorney is based on trust–a trust that they will put your best interest first. A law firm that does the heavy lifting, while constantly updating you as you recover, is definitely one for keeps.
Let Work-Related Injury Lawyers Help You
Work-related injuries can have several long-term effects. These might include disability or the inability to work, pain and suffering, as well as lifelong medical expenses. All of these effects are life-changing and will negatively affect the quality of your life. With such stakes, it is important that you get the services of a firm with the best work-related injury lawyers.
At Steigmann Law PC, you will be assured of getting the best legal representation possible. We are personable and empathetic, and we understand that this is a difficult time for you. Get in touch with us today to ensure that your case gets the time and attention it deserves.