Workers' Compensation
Workplace injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of the industry or the safety measures in place.
Employees who get injured on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
But navigating the workers’ compensation system can be overwhelming, especially for someone who has never dealt with it. This is where a North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer comes in.
A workers’ comp lawyer can help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
There are thousands of lawyers to consider, but you are probably looking online for a “workers’ comp lawyer near me.” Here are some tips on finding the right workers’ comp lawyer in NC.
1. Look for Experience
When it comes to choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer, experience matters. You want someone who has handled cases similar to yours before and has a track record of success.
Look for a lawyer who has been practicing workers’ compensation law for several years and fully understands the system.
You can check the lawyer’s website or LinkedIn profile to see how long they’ve been practicing and what kind of cases they’ve handled.
2. Talk to Family and Friends
Often the best professional referrals are the ones that come from your closest family and friends.
In just one year alone, 67,700 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses occurred within the private sector in North Carolina.
Chances are someone in your inner circle has hired a workers’ compensation attorney before.
They could steer you in the right direction if they had a good experience and favorable outcome with a specific lawyer or law firm.
Seeking a recommendation from a friend or family member can also provide valuable insight into lawyers to avoid.
3. Look at Their Reviews and Testimonials
In addition to experience, you want to ensure that the workers’ comp lawyer you choose has a good reputation. Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients.
You can check the lawyer’s website, social media pages, or Google My Business listing for reviews.
4. Consider Their Communication Skills
Communication is essential when it comes to working with a lawyer. You need someone who will keep you informed throughout the process and answer your questions.
Look for a lawyer who communicates clearly and effectively and responds to your emails and phone calls.
During your initial consultation, please pay attention to how the lawyer listens to you and how they explain the workers’ compensation process.
5. Look for a Lawyer who Specializes in Workers’ Compensation
While many lawyers handle various cases, you want to seek a lawyer focusing on workers’ compensation.
This means that they have dedicated their practice to this area of law and have a thorough understanding of the system.
Look for a lawyer who has handled cases similar to yours and who has a high success rate.
6. Consider Their Location
When choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer, location matters. You want someone familiar with your state’s workers’ compensation laws and who can represent you in your local area.
It is also likely that you may need to meet with your lawyer on several occasions, so you want to choose someone close to your residence.
You may not want to travel an hour each way every time you meet with your attorney.
Most importantly, look for a lawyer based in North Carolina who has experience handling workers’ compensation cases in your county or city.
7. Contact a Local or State Bar Association
Choosing the right workers’ compensation lawyer can be overwhelming.
Sometimes a good place to start is by contacting your local (e.g., county) bar association or the North Carolina Bar Association for a list of recommendations.
There are often bar associations specializing in a particular niche within that general type of law.
By contacting bar associations, you can ensure you are reaching out to licensed, vetted, and experienced workers’ compensation attorneys.
8. Discuss Fees
Before hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer, understand their fee structure. Most workers’ comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they get paid only if you win your case.
Typically, the fee is a percentage of the benefits you receive.
However, the percentage can vary from lawyer to lawyer, so make sure you understand how much you’ll be paying before signing any agreements.
9. Schedule Your Initial Consultation
Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential workers’ compensation lawyers, schedule a consultation with each.
During the consultation, you can ask questions, discuss your case, and understand whether the lawyer is a good fit for you.
Be prepared to discuss the specifics of your case, including your injuries, medical treatment, and any communication you’ve had with your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company.
What to Avoid When Choosing an NC Workers’ Compensation Attorney
There are a few things to avoid when choosing a workers’ comp attorney to represent you. First and foremost, you want to avoid any non-attorney services.
Some companies and individuals will offer assistance with filing for workers’ compensation benefits, appealing denials, and other aspects of a claim.
These agencies are not licensed lawyers, and you should generally steer clear of them, even if the price seems enticing.
You should also avoid soliciting attorneys who contact you directly seeking your business.
These attorneys often make unrealistic promises and do not provide personalized attorney-client communication.
Lastly, remember always to trust your gut. If you feel the fit is not right, trust that intuition and move on to another prospective candidate.
How To Choose The Best Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me? Contact Mehta & McConnell Today
Finding the right workers’ compensation lawyer can make a big difference in the outcome of your case.
Look for someone who has experience, a good reputation, excellent communication skills, and who specializes in workers’ compensation law. Consider their location and ask about fees.
Our attorneys are always available to take your call and answer any further questions or schedule a free consultation.
At Mehta & McConnell, we are committed to helping those injured on the job receive the benefits they deserve. Contact us today to learn more.
Jason McConnell
Jason McConnell is the managing attorney of Mehta & McConnell Injury Lawyers, a Charlotte, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation law firm. In his free time he enjoys playing golf, cooking, traveling and following the UNC Tar Heels and Carolina Panthers.
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