A workplace accident can happen when one least expects it, which is why employers impose safety precautions that must be adhered to at all times. Even when safety measures are strictly followed, however, an employee can be injured or become ill while on the job. There are times when injuries occur due to the negligence of the injured employee, and there are others caused by the failure of the employer to provide a safe working environment or the negligence of another employee. Being injured at work is devastating, and most often, injured employees do not know what to do after the accident.
All workplace accidents are different. Injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including the following: slips, trips and falls; falls from elevated areas or ladders; back injuries from carrying heavy objects; cave-ins; electrocution; or being struck by heavy equipment or machinery. Work injuries can result in expensive medical bills, physical pain, emotional trauma, loss of present and future income, and loss of ability to perform daily activities and hobbies. In addition, the injured employee may not be able to perform the same work in the future.
If you are injured at work, you should seek legal help from an attorney familiar with workers’ compensation cases. An experienced attorney will help ensure that you receive the benefits you are entitled to and are given the ample time to recover from your injuries. Looking for a lawyer requires intensive research to make sure you get the best. Do not just select one just because you recognize the name from television. Instead, research firms on the internet to come up with names of reputable attorneys in your area. Here are a few things to consider before hiring a work injury lawyer:
How many years of experience does the attorney have? Is he a specialist in work-related injuries, or just a generalist? What is his standing in the Bar examination?
What is the attorney’s legal educational background?
What is the lawyer’s track record in work injury cases? If possible, read testimonials from previous clients.
How much does the lawyer charge? Most lawyers operate on a contingent fee basis, which means that you do not pay a legal fee unless you receive compensation in your case.
Once you have narrowed down your list to only four or five names, you need to start contacting each law firm to schedule an initial consultation.