What to look for in a Accident Attorney

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Choosing a workers’ compensation attorney is an important decision. You should feel comfortable asking questions before hiring anyone.

The right attorney should understand California workers’ compensation law. They should also explain your options in language you understand.

Does the Attorney Represent Injured Workers?

Workers’ compensation is a specialized area of law. Ask whether the attorney regularly represents injured workers.

You may also want to ask about experience with issues such as:

• Denied workers’ compensation claims
• Delayed or denied medical treatment
• Temporary disability payments
• Permanent disability ratings
• Qualified medical evaluator examinations
• Workers’ compensation hearings and settlements

Experience with similar issues can help an attorney understand the questions your case may raise. However, no attorney should promise a particular result.

Who Will Handle Your Case?

Ask who will serve as your attorney and who will handle daily questions. Some law offices use legal assistants and other staff to help manage cases. You should still know which attorney is responsible for your case.

Consider asking:

• Who will answer my questions?
• How will the office update me?
• How long does the office usually take to return calls?
• Will I speak with my attorney before important decisions?
• Who will attend hearings with me?

Clear communication can make a difficult claim easier to understand.

Can the Attorney Explain the Process Clearly?

A good attorney should explain your case without using unnecessary legal terms. You should understand what happens next and what the attorney needs from you.

During the first consultation, ask the attorney to explain:

• The main issues in your claim
• What records or documents you should provide
• How medical evaluations may affect your case
• How attorney fees work
• What decisions you may need to make

Be cautious about anyone who guarantees a result or tells you exactly how much your case is worth before reviewing the evidence.

Check the Attorney’s State Bar Record

The State Bar of California provides public information about licensed attorneys. You can check an attorney’s license status, contact information, disciplinary history, and any certified legal specialty.

Workers’ Compensation Law is one of the specialties recognized by the State Bar of California. Certification is one factor you may consider, but it is not the only way to evaluate an attorney. State Bar certification information

Consider the Attorney’s Accessibility

You may prefer an attorney who understands the workers’ compensation offices and medical systems in your area. An accessible office can also make it easier to deliver documents or meet when necessary.

Location should not be your only consideration. Experience, communication, and your comfort with the attorney also matter.

Prepare for Your Consultation

Bring any documents you already have, including:

• The workers’ compensation claim form
• Letters from the insurance company
• Medical reports and work restrictions
• Payment notices
• Information about upcoming appointments or hearings
• A list of your questions

The consultation should help you understand whether the attorney and law office are a good fit for your claim.

Cleveland & Metz represents injured workers in California workers’ compensation cases. Contact our office for a free consultation about your work injury claim.