5 Tips For Choosing The Right Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’re looking to buy a car and you step onto the lot and are greeted by a pushy salesman who keeps trying to up-sell you or isn’t listening to your requests, those are signs that it may not be the best place to buy a car. You can pick up these signs even if you’re buying a car for the very first time. It’s easy to spot red flags in certain scenarios, but since most people are more familiar with cars than the workers’ compensation process, it can be harder to spot the signs that a workers’ compensation attorney isn’t the best fit for your situation. Today, we’re going to share five tips and tricks for picking out the right workers’ compensation lawyer for your case.

Look At Testimonials

Testimonials are a great place to start because they allow you to hear from past clients who have dealt with the attorney. However, be cognizant about where the review is coming from. For example, I have client testimonials on my website, but since it’s my site, I can control exactly which reviews get published. For a truer example of a client’s satisfaction with an attorney, look at reviews on other sites, like Facebook, Google Plus or third party sites like Avvo.

Experience Matters

The more experience your attorney has, the more likely they have seen similar cases in the past and know the best ways to prove your claim. Now, more experienced attorneys generally cost more than less experienced attorneys, but don’t just look at the bottom line. A more experienced attorney has a better chance of getting you a larger settlement deal. Check online to learn how long prospective attorneys have been practicing workers’ compensation law.

Ask Them Questions

As we mentioned in a previous blog, there are some questions you should always ask your attorney during the initial consultation. Ask them about the workers’ compensation process and if they can give you a general idea of how your case may play out. Remember, you are hiring them, so don’t feel bullied into signing or agreeing to anything if you’re not comfortable with the attorney. See how they fare with your questions to determine if they’d be a good fit for your situation.

Handled Similar Cases

This is somewhat similar to point two, but it deserves its own category. There are hundreds of different sub-specialties when it comes to workers’ compensation attorneys, so make sure you find one that has experience handling similar claims. For example, some workers’ compensation attorneys work primarily with construction workers, while others are more versed in asbestos or spine injury claims. When you’re looking online and when you’re talking with prospective attorneys, make sure they have handled cases similar to your current situation.

Trust Your Gut

Considering attorneys rely on the ability to convince judges, juries and insurance companies to take their side, it can be easy to understand why some people are reluctant to take a prospective attorney’s words at face value. If they’ve answered all your questions, but something just seems off, don’t hesitate to sleep on your decision or walk away altogether. A lawyer can say the right things when talking to you, but if he’s never in the office when you call, he doesn’t respond to your messages or everything seems too good to be true, listen to your gut and keep your options open.