What is the most important step that an employee should take after being injured in his workplace? He should get in touch with an experienced workers' compensation lawyer. When you first meet with an attorney after being injured on the job, you get a clear idea of the weaknesses and strengths of your workers' compensation claim along with the experience and interest of the lawyer.
Arranging the first meeting with workers' compensation lawyers is a tricky thing as you have to prepare yourself for the day. Are you aware of water to carry on your first meeting with a workers' compensation lawyer? Do you know what to ask and what not to do? If you don't, we are here to help you with the details of preparing yourself for a meeting with a workers' compensation attorney for the first time.
What to carry to the first meeting with a workers' compensation lawyer
Before you visit the lawyer's office, you need to keep in mind that you should carry as many details about your workplace injury as possible for the attorney to review in his first meeting with you. When you come prepared with all relevant materials and documents, this helps the Attorney to decide whether or not you have a valid claim. The documents that you should carry or as follows:
● A gist of the workplace accident including the date and time of the injury
● All sorts of employment records that include your position in the office, date of recruitment, job duties, and responsibilities
● Recent bank statements or pay stubs will help an attorney give you a perfect estimate of what to expect in terms of benefits if the claim gets approved
● The contact details and name of the supervisor who received the first notice of your injury and the date on which you sent the notice
● A copy of the written notice offered by your employer
● The address and name of the doctor who is treating you
● The addresses and names of the facility where you received treatment soon after your injury
● The dates of treatment
● Medical records associated with the diagnosis and treatment of your injury
● Photographs of the injury
● Medical expenses and bills related to the treatment
● Copy of any accident report given by your employer
● Letters or emails between your employer and you regarding the injury claim
Major questions to ask a workers' compensation lawyer
● How long have you been practicing law?
● Did you ever represent clients with injuries that are similar to mine?
● What portion of your caseload includes workers' compensation claims?
● What is your success rate on workers' compensation cases?
● Will you be personally handling my case?
Once you are satisfied with the credentials and background of the prospective attorney, you may wish to discuss a work strategy with him. Ask him to share with you the weaknesses and strengths of your case, discuss whether mediation or settlement would be a better option, and request an estimate of the claim value.
