Qualified Workers’ Compensation lawyers can assist you with various tasks, including gathering medical and employment-related evidence, negotiating settlements, and defending you at hearings or during appeals. A lost workers' compensation case can quickly be turned around by a tenacious, knowledgeable attorney on your side.
Choosing the correct workers' compensation lawyer is important, but not everyone does so the first time. Even during the midst of your case, you should think about changing lawyers if you are unhappy with their performance.
What to think about before terminating your workers' comp attorney.
First, you should be aware that it can be more challenging to find another to represent you after firing your first workers' compensation attorney.
Second, consider the reasons behind your decision to fire your attorney. There are definitely good reasons to change lawyers without hesitation, such as if your current one does not communicate with you, acts impolite or unprofessionally, or is obviously unqualified to handle workers' compensation cases.
Why injured workers search for new lawyers?
Let us examine some of the most frequent causes of injured workers' frustration with their workers' compensation attorneys and when moving lawyers might or might not be helpful.
1. It is taking too long for your case.
Nothing in a workers' compensation lawsuit proceeds quickly. Even a straightforward request for medical data could take 4 to 6 weeks, and scheduling an impartial medical examination might take many more months. Further delays may result from the vast backlog of cases pending in most workers' compensation courts. In fact, there is a larger possibility that changing attorneys will only delay things even more, particularly if your workers' compensation hearing is coming up.
2. My lawyer does not answer my calls.
You should be concerned if your lawyer keeps you informed about your case's progress. However, keep in mind that paralegals and legal assistants can be excellent resources of knowledge regarding the workers' compensation procedure in principle and your claim specifically. Ask for a phone conference or an office meeting if your lawyer is not available when you call. At your subsequent meeting, make it clear that you anticipate improved communication.
3. My attorney Is unaware of the workers' compensation law.
Lawyers who do not focus on workers' compensation frequently lack an understanding of the subtleties of this intricate area of the law. You would be wise to get a different attorney if you are not sure that he or she has a clear understanding of the legal issues involved in your case.
