Have you suffered from a work-related illness or injury in Chicago? It may be in your best interest to find a local workers’ compensation attorney to handle your claim and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ compensation lawyers are experts in this highly complex and specialized field of law. It’s important that you look for an attorney with specific experience in workers’ compensation in order to achieve a favorable outcome.
How to Find a Workers’ Comp Lawyer: 5 Steps to Follow
Finding the right attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your workers’ compensation case. Follow these tips to start your search for an experienced Chicago workers’ comp attorney.
1. Keep Your Search Local
Workers’ compensation law varies from state to state. At minimum, talk to an attorney who is licensed to practice in Illinois. However, it’s even more advantageous to work with a workers’ comp lawyer in Chicago or the surrounding area. They will have local knowledge and a roster of expert witnesses (like medical professionals), which may be beneficial to your case.
2. Create a List of Specialized Law Firms
As workers’ compensation law is so complicated and specialized, focus your search on lawyers and law firms that specialize in workers’ comp cases. The firm does not necessarily need to focus only on workers' comp, but these types of claims should be a significant portion of their work.
3. Ask Family, Friends, & Colleagues for Recommendations
The best way to keep narrowing down your list of potential attorneys is to ask family, friends, and colleagues—especially those who have previously filed a workers’ comp claim—for recommendations. Ask what attorney they worked with and what their experience was like to get a more well-rounded picture of prospective attorney candidates.
4. Read Online Reviews & Get References from Former Clients
What do former clients say about a prospective workers’ comp attorney? Read online reviews for all lawyers and law firms you are considering, and see if you can speak directly to past clients if possible. Remember, don’t be scared off by one bad review—instead, look for trends. If there is a pattern of bad reviews, cross them off the list.
5. Interview Potential Chicago Workers’ Comp Attorneys
Before hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, it’s critically important to sit down with them face to face (or by phone if necessary) to talk with them directly. This is your chance to ask questions, explain the specifics of your case, and see if they can help you with your case.
20 Questions to Ask a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Almost all workers’ compensation lawyers offer a free consultation for prospective clients. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of choices, take the opportunity to sit down with each attorney, ask them questions about their experience and your case, and see if they are a good fit for your situation.
Start with the following questions to learn more about the workers’ compensation attorney:
- What is your education and legal background?
- How long have you been practicing workers’ compensation law?
- Have you worked on workers’ compensation cases similar to mine?
- How much of your practice is devoted to workers’ comp cases?
- Do you only represent injured workers or do you also represent employers and insurance companies?
- Will you be working on my case personally?
- How do you communicate with clients (email, text, phone, etc.)?
- How quickly can I expect a response when I contact you?
- If I have a question, can I ask you directly, or will I have to speak with a legal assistant or paralegal instead?
- Can you provide me with any references from former clients?
- Can you explain how a workers’ compensation claim proceeds through the legal system?
- How will you estimate the value of my claim?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
- What issues or difficulties do you foresee with my workers’ comp case?
- Does it matter if the workplace injury or illness was my fault?
- What is the likely outcome of my claim?
- Are you prepared to represent me in court if needed?
- How do attorney’s fees work at your firm? Will I be charged if my case is unsuccessful?
- What litigation expenses will I have to pay?
- When should I go back to work?
A trustworthy, reputable attorney will answer your questions patiently and authoritatively.
Red Flags to Look for When Searching for a Workers’ Comp Attorney
As you meet with potential workers’ comp attorneys and ask them questions, keep an eye out for these red flags.
Poor Communication
If you have trouble getting in touch with an attorney—for example, if they don’t answer your emails or call you back on the phone—then it may be a sign they are a poor communicator. The last thing you need to deal with during a stressful time is an unresponsive and unreliable legal representative. Even a busy attorney with a full caseload will make time to respond to you, answer your questions, meet with you face to face, and go over your case.
Missing Deadlines
During your research, see if past clients have complained about missing deadlines and lateness. If your attorney regularly arrives late for meetings or hearings or misses paper filing deadlines, it can hurt your workers’ compensation claim. Work with an attorney who has a pattern of being on time.
Inexperience
Workers’ compensation law is a complex and specialized area of law. An attorney without experience in workers’ comp law is a red flag because they may not have the knowledge and expertise required to represent you effectively. Choose an attorney who not only has a background in workers’ compensation law but also has handled cases similar to yours in the past.
Lack of Transparency
A good workers’ compensation attorney will be transparent about the legal process, keep you informed on the progress of your case, and be honest about the potential outcome. If a prospective lawyer is making promises that seem too good to be true or not transparent, it’s a red flag.
Contact an Experienced Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one have been injured at work, contact the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Vasilatos Injury Law. We have represented hundreds of injured clients and obtained millions of dollars in awards for our clients in Chicago and across Illinois.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys have experience in all aspects of workers’ compensation law, and we are dedicated to helping our clients get the best possible compensation. Regardless of the nature of your case, you can rely on us to guide you toward a favorable outcome for you and your family.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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