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Why do you need to select a workers’ compensation attorney to work with?
It’s because the aftermath of being injured in a workplace accident can be devastating to you and your loved ones. In an instant, your life may be thrown off course, and you may be faced with unexpected medical expenses that place serious strain on your finances. You may also be unable to return to work for some time while you recover, missing out on much-needed paychecks.
Fortunately, in the state of Georgia, you can file a workers’ compensation claim. Most employers are required to have a workers’ compensation insurance policy in place. Finding the right attorney to help guide you through the process may help you to gain access to the full benefits you should be afforded after being injured at work. This can bring some financial relief to you and your family during this challenging time.
Workers’ compensation benefits may include all accident-related medical expenses, replacement income while you are recovering, and disability benefits after you have reached maximum medical improvement.
Qualities of a Good Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Your attorney will look out for your best interests while insurers and opposing parties may try to lowball you. Below is a list of qualities to look out for when hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to assist with your claim:
History of success in similar cases
While personal injury and workers’ comp claims are often lumped together, there are major differences between these two types of cases. Firstly, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system, so you won’t be required to prove that your employer’s negligence or recklessness led to your injuries, only that you were hurt on the job. Secondly, you will not receive compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life, from your employer’s coverage.
As you can imagine, a workers’ comp claim will require a different approach to seeking compensation after a dog bite or car accident. As such, it’s in your best interests to find someone who has handled similar claims to yours in the past, as they are more likely to possess the necessary knowledge and resources to help you achieve a favorable outcome. During the initial consultation, you should ask your attorney about the types of cases they’ve handled and their track record of success in this area of the law.
It may be beneficial to seek out an attorney who has proven experience handling workers’ compensation claims and has managed to secure substantial settlements for their clients in the past. An attorney with experience in similar claims is likely to have the knowledge of what legal strategies work best, what evidence is important to gather, how to anticipate and avoid complications, and when to start settlement negotiations.
Positive reviews from past clients
Reading through reviews left by past clients on Google, Yelp, Facebook, and similar platforms can give you valuable insight into the quality of representation that you are likely to receive. These reviews may also give you an idea of what it will be like to work with a certain attorney and subsequent law firm. If an attorney is caring and kind, this will likely be reflected in the reviews. Positive reviews may give you confidence that your chosen attorney has the knowledge, compassion, and resources necessary to represent you effectively.
Accessibility
Going through the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim can be a complex and stressful process. Your attorney should supply you with a direct line of communication. They should be available to take your calls, respond to your emails, and provide you with prompt answers to your questions to ease your stress.
Compassion
A workplace injury can derail your life in an instant, leaving you in excruciating pain and drowning in a flood of unanticipated expenses. An attorney who understands what you are going through can be your guiding light throughout this challenging chapter of your life. Not only can they provide support throughout proceedings, but you can also enjoy peace of mind that they will do everything in their power to help you succeed.
Questions To Ask Before Hiring A Workers’ Comp Attorney
Sitting down to discuss your situation with a skilled workers’ comp attorney can give you insight, clarity, and guidance in the challenging days following a workplace accident. However, you probably have thousands of questions running through your mind, making it difficult to decide exactly what you want to ask during this first meeting with your lawyer.
What Benefits Will I Receive?
Injured workers can receive compensation for many different types of losses, such as medical benefits, income benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. However, not all workers are eligible to receive compensation, and the types of benefits you are entitled to will depend on the unique circumstances surrounding your case. A skilled workers’ comp attorney can assess your situation to help determine the kinds of benefits you can pursue as part of your claim.
Can I Receive Benefits If the Injury Was My Fault?
In most cases, yes. While you might’ve caused the accident that led to your injuries, this doesn’t disqualify you from receiving benefits. As long as you can show that you were doing your job when you were hurt, you should still be eligible to receive benefits.
There are, however, a few scenarios wherein you might not be able to pursue compensation. For instance, if you arrived at work drunk and subsequently injured yourself, you could be denied a payout.
How Long Will My Claim Take?
While your claim is pending, exercising patience is important. Depending on the severity of your injuries, it could take weeks or even months to settle your claim. For instance, if you suffered a permanent injury, you shouldn’t accept the insurer’s offer until you’ve achieved maximum medical improvement. As such, it’s impossible for an attorney to guarantee a specific timeframe, but he or she can still give you insight into how your claim might unfold.
Talk to an Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney About Your Case
At Moebes Law, we pride ourselves on our professional service and effective representation. Having one of our workers’ compensation attorneys on your side will help ease the claims process, as we have the resources, experience, and proven legal strategies to fight for the compensation that you deserve. Call us at (404) 948-6555 or fill out our online contact form to discuss your case with us today during a free initial consultation with one of our leading workers’ compensation attorneys in Atlanta.
