Being hurt at your job does more damage than physical pain; it can ruin your life. Once you cannot work, one thing leads to another; income disappears, medical bills pile up, and stress mounts. Your workers’ compensation claim being delayed or even denied only worsens things.
Like most workers, not knowing how to navigate the process may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure if and how to get the benefits you are entitled to! That’s where a good workers’ comp lawyer comes in. Having the person by your side tilts the scale in your favor, increasing your chances of getting well compensated for the losses incurred from the injury.
Are you wondering if you even need a lawyer? How do you go about claims that have been denied, delayed, or undervalued? It’s probably time to get professional help. This guide will show you exactly how to find the best Raleigh workers’ comp lawyer for your claim.
Let’s dive into it!
How To Begin Your Search for a Raleigh Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Before we get started, do you even need a lawyer? Generally, if your injury is severe enough to keep you from returning to your job, you need one! Even once you are certain, it doesn’t end there. Where do you start? It can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, but don’t worry; it’s easier than you think.
Follow these steps:
Ask Around
When looking for a great workers comp lawyer, one of the best places to find one is to ask your friends, family, and even coworkers who have gone through the same thing. Go with those lawyers who can guarantee a good experience.
Research Online
Once you have a list of potential lawyers, hop online to read reviews from their previous lawyers. With many third-party (unbiased) review websites, it’s easy to see how other Raleigh lawyers stack up. If there is too much negative feedback, you don’t want to be another dissatisfied client. It’s best to keep looking.
So, what’s next? With a handful of names, it’s time to start cutting down on your options to end up with the best Raleigh workers comp lawyer.
Here’s What To Look for in a Workers’ Comp Lawyer.
Experience in Workers’ Comp Cases
Going to a foot doctor when you need heart surgery is not wise, right? The same goes for lawyers. Make sure that the attorney you choose has a good deal of experience in workers’ compensation law. The last thing you want is to work with an inexperienced lawyer and have your case used as a test. Even before you meet them, check out their portfolio on their official website. Ensure they have many successful instances in which they have won reasonable compensation for their clients.
Communication is Key
The one problem people complain about most with lawyers is that it’s hard to get a hold of them. You want a lawyer who keeps you updated by communicating clearly and promptly addressing your concerns. Find out about their availability to ensure you’re not frustrated in a time of need.
Check Personality: Are they Trustworthy?
You need to feel comfortable with your lawyer. You can gauge that by how they listen and respond to your concerns. How they explain things is also important; do they explain in plain terms that you understand? You want someone who can support you and is empathic enough not to rush you on stuff. So, having confidence in their personality is non-negotiable.
Questions To Ask To During Your First Meeting
With few lawyers that meet your criteria, it’s time to meet with them and get to know them further through a consultation, which is usually free. Although it can be scary to meet with some lawyers, don’t be afraid to ask any question that will help you establish if they are the best fit.
Some important questions to include:
- How many workers’ comp cases have you worked on?
- How many times have you successfully worked on cases like mine?
- How much is your fee structure, and if we lose, do you owe me anything?
- Will it be you handling my case or your firm?
Red Flags: What To Avoid in a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Now, lawyers are not made from the same cloth. You will be surprised how even professional ones don’t meet your expectations. Unresponsiveness is one of them. If the lawyer is slow to respond to pick up your calls or email back, the situation can be pretty frustrating when your case is rolling.
Additionally, if the lawyer has their hands on too many other cases without a team, that’s a good sign that yours might not get the attention it deserves. You also want to stay away from those who lack sufficient experience. If they don’t have a strong background in injury law, that’s a big red flag, as you don’t want to be the first case for them.
Why Raleigh? Should You Choose a Local Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Choosing a Raleigh-based lawyer comes with some big advantages. Unlike local attorneys, no one will know the ins and outs of North Carolina workers’ compensation laws. Plus, they’ll be familiar with local insurance companies, the lawyers representing the local insurance companies, and even judges presiding over the case. This can allow them to exploit their weaknesses to your advantage.
However, simply picking a lawyer is wrong because they’re close to you. Make sure they check all the above boxes for a good experience.
Conclusion
If you got injured in your line of duty and you don’t seem to be getting rightful compensation, a workers’ compensation lawyer can come to your rescue. With the help of our guide, you now have adequate knowledge, which allows you to make an informed choice on who to hire. Don’t wait; go ahead and find one because your recovery, financial stability, and peace of mind depend on it.
