Accidents at work are common. A worker injured in the course of his employment is entitled to compensation under the law and company rules. Most often, claims are denied because of certain factors that, according to authorities, disqualify the employee from receiving compensation. An employee who believes that there has been an injustice can file a personal injury lawsuit. It is advisable to hire an experienced attorney with experience in workplace injuries who can handle legal issues effectively. It is important to look at a few credentials when choosing an attorney. These can either make or break your chances of receiving adequate compensation. Consider the following when choosing an attorney.
* Qualified: An attorney must be qualified professionally by passing examinations, such as the multi-state performance tests. This test is only conducted in certain states, so the attorney must have other qualifications specific to their state.
* A valid license is required: Although each lawyer must be professionally qualified, they should also have a license from the bar association in the state where the practice of law will take place. If a lawyer wishes to practice law in Florida, for example, they must be members of The Florida Bar. You can check the eligibility of a lawyer by visiting the website of their state bar association. Enter the lawyer’s name to see if they are a valid license.
* Experience, expertise and reputation: Only experienced workplace injury attorneys have the knowledge to deal with workplace injury cases. How many cases have they handled? The attorney must be able determine the magnitude of the case and the compensation that is appropriate. Check Workplace injury lawyer Brisbane the reputation of your attorney. You can ask your attorney about the time required to settle the case.
* A track record of success: When you approach an attorney, ensure that they have a documented and long-standing record of success. You can ask them for referrals from other workers that they have represented successfully. You can get an idea of the lawyer’s capabilities by asking for referrals.
* Able to handle any type of claim: You can learn about the competence of an attorney by checking their track record and knowing what claims they have dealt with. You can then be confident that the attorney will handle any claim. In tricky situations such as when an injury at work has exacerbated a pre-existing abnormality and rendered you physically incapable of performing your duties, the attorney should be able to convince you that this is true. In these cases, your attorney must show that the injury you suffered at work has caused your current condition.
* Realistic contingent fees: Lastly, choose an attorney with a fee that is realistic compared to your compensation. You will be in financial trouble if a large portion of your compensation goes towards attorney’s fees.
* A good attorney will only ask for payment if they win the case. Only such attorneys should be considered.
The attorney who handles your case must have the expertise to ensure that the authorities (employers and insurers) pay you the correct amount of compensation. The negligence of employers in regard to safety standards is the root cause of workplace injuries. Your attorney must prove this to you in order for you to be entitled to compensation. To handle this properly, you must choose an attorney who is affiliated with a reputable law firm.
