What a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Won’t Tell You
When choosing a workers’ compensation attorney, look for someone who is honest about your case, communicates regularly, and gives your claim the attention it deserves. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer should keep you informed, meet important deadlines, answer your questions, and advocate for your best interests throughout the entire process.
Workers’ compensation is a high-volume practice, meaning that, sometimes attorneys will treat your case as just another number, or won’t know the facts of your case, or just simply don’t have the time to give your case the attention you need or deserve. This is not the type of lawyer you want to represent you.
Finding a Lawyer That Has Your Best Interest
It is important to find a workers’ compensation attorney that has your best interest in mind. This means a few things:
- First, you need to find an attorney who is willing to tell you the truth. If your case is worth $5,000.00 or $5,000,000.00, you need to ensure that the attorney you choose will always be forthcoming about the value of your case. Your lawyer should always tell you the pros and cons of your case, and why they believe you may or may not win your case. Many lawyers will tell you what you want to hear to get you to take a settlement so that your lawyer gets money in his or her pocket or can move on to the next case. You must ensure you have a lawyer that is doing what is in YOUR best interest, not his or hers.
- Furthermore, you need an attorney who is willing to take the time and treat your case with the upmost importance. As stated above, workers’ compensation lawyers typically have a higher case load than attorneys who practice in other areas. This is because the workers’ compensation system moves very fast compared to other areas. This does not mean that your case is not important, and you should never hire an attorney that will not pay close attention to your case. A good and competent attorney will give you and your case the time of day. A good and competent attorney will advocate to the Judge on your behalf even if your case is not perfect. A good and competent attorney will address all questions or concerns you have, no matter how big or small. A good and competent attorney will know what is going on with your case throughout the entirety of the litigation.
- Finally, you need an attorney you can trust. Of course, trust means you can tell all your legal issues to your lawyer—whether helpful or harmful to your case—with no fear that attorney-client privilege will be broken. However, having a lawyer you can trust also means that you are confident they will handle your case properly and zealously advocate for you. This may mean deposing a competent medical expert on your behalf, ensuring that deadlines will always be met without you needing to check in, and using his or her expertise to best represent you. Too often, injured workers call their lawyers asking when their next hearing or deposition is, only to learn that the attorney completely forgot to schedule it!
Your Case Matters
Due to the high volume that this practice tends to produce, some lawyers forget that these cases involve real people—real people whose lives have been upended due to a work injury. You need a lawyer who will always be in your corner, fighting for the rights that you deserve but one who will always be honest about your claim.
Hiring a lawyer who you can be confident in usually requires hiring a lawyer with experience and expertise. A good lawyer usually comes with high regards from prior clients—ask around, do a Google research, browse firm websites. You can usually learn a lot about your potential lawyer’s credibility.
When you hire Stern & Cohen, you will quickly see that the lawyers here are those you can trust, will advocate on your behalf, and will be available for all your workers’ compensation needs.
Talk to a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
At Stern & Cohen, we understand that every workers’ compensation case involves a real person facing real challenges after a workplace injury.
Our attorneys work closely with injured workers throughout Pennsylvania, providing honest guidance, responsive communication, and experienced representation at every stage of the workers’ compensation process.
Contact Stern & Cohen today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and your workers’ compensation claim.
FAQs
When should I hire a workers' compensation lawyer in Pennsylvania?
Many injured workers contact an attorney after their claim is denied, benefits are stopped, or they are asked to attend hearings. However, speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer early in the process can help you avoid mistakes and better protect your rights.
Does a workers' compensation lawyer help if my claim was denied?
Yes. A Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer can help gather medical evidence, file the appropriate petitions, and represent you before a workers’ compensation judge if your claim has been denied.
How do I know if a workers' compensation lawyer is experienced?
You can review client testimonials, online reviews, case results, and the attorney’s experience handling workers’ compensation cases. Speaking directly with the attorney can also help you determine whether they are familiar with cases like yours.
What questions should I ask during a workers' compensation consultation?
You may want to ask about the attorney’s experience, communication practices, strategy for your case, and how they handle hearings, medical evidence, and settlement negotiations.
Can I change workers' compensation lawyers during my case?
In many situations, yes. Injured workers are generally allowed to change attorneys during a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation case if they are unhappy with their current representation.