How and when to hire a top-rated workers' compensation lawyer (and what questions to ask)

Help! I Was Injured At Work

When someone is seriously injured at work or becomes ill because of their job, they should be able to turn to the workers' compensation system to get the financial help they need to help pay for medical bills and lost wages.

Workers' compensation is a vital safety net for millions of Americans — from laborers, clerks, and construction crew to office workers, drivers and countless other jobs. Many of these occupations carry inherent risk to life and limb. And despite the best efforts of employers, workers, insurance companies and regulators, accidents and injuries still happen on the job.

Before the creation of a dedicated system nearly a century ago, injured workers would often find it difficult to obtain treatment for their injuries and compensation for lost wages. Today, insurance that covers most work-related injuries and illnesses is a requirement for most employers.

This system essentially means the employer accepts financial liability for any on-the-job injuries and occupational illnesses – from a car accident to slip and fall to carpal tunnel syndrome – even if it was the incident was the worker's fault. In exchange for this coverage, workers cannot hold the employer liable for pain and suffering (except in the most severe cases).

When you do NOT need a workers' comp lawyer

Of course, not every situation requires you to lawyer up. You may not need to hire a workers' compensation attorney if ALL of the following states are true:

• You only suffered a minor injury that heals quickly and fully with treatment
• You missed little or no work because of the injury

• Your employer agrees that the injury or illness was work-related
• The insurance company accepts your claim and pays out a fair amount

That said, we always recommend consulting with a workers' compensation attorney to ensure that the settlement you're being offered is fair and just. Insurers often try to lowball injured workers and pressure them into accepting an unfair and insufficient settlement offer. It never hurts to have a professional review your claim. Most attorneys offer free initial consultations, so there's no cost to you.

Questions to ask a workers' compensation lawyer

How do you know when you've found the best attorney to take on your workers' compensation case?

By asking the right questions.

Review the following list of questions when preparing to meet with a workers' comp lawyer:

• Is your practice exclusively devoted to workers' compensation, or do you specialize in other areas as well?


• Who will be handling the majority of my case? An attorney or legal aid?


• Do you have certifications and qualifications? How long have you been practicing workers' comp law?


• How much do you charge? Do you work on a contingency fee basis?


• What are the strengths and weaknesses of my claim?


• Do your cases often settle or go to trial?