You have made an appointment with a workers’ comp lawyer, but you are wondering how to prepare for your first meeting. If you have never worked with a lawyer before, you may not know what to expect. Here are a few quick tips.
- Bring All Your Documents
First, your prospective lawyer will want to see all documents relating to your case that you have. For example, you might need to gather:
- Medical bills and records
- Notices from the workers’ compensation insurance company
- Paperwork from your employer
These documents can help the lawyer assess the strength of your case and also determine what has happened in the case so far. You may have been denied benefits, or you may be receiving some benefits already. Whatever your situation, the lawyer needs to review the documents that you have.
- Don’t Worry About Costs – But Ask Questions
Many workers’ compensation lawyers offer free initial consultations to prospective clients. As long as the consultation is free, you should not have to pay up front for anything. In addition, most workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that they do not charge any fees unless they win your case. At that point the lawyer charges a percentage of those benefits or of any settlement you reach. You should ask how the lawyer handles costs: are those factored into the percentage or separately deducted? Which costs will the insurance company pay? The answers will help educate you about the workers’ compensation process.
- Talk About the Strengths and Weaknesses of Your Case
During your first meeting, ask the lawyer about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. The lawyer may bring up significant facts or legal issues that could change your chances at getting benefits. Talking about your case will help you understand some of the strategic decisions that the lawyer makes if you decide to work with him or her.
Need help getting workers’ compensation for your injury? Joe Osterbauer, Esq. and the Osterbauer Law Firm stand up for injured Minnesota workers’ rights. Joe’s 27 years of workers’ compensation experience and his team’s speedy service combine to get clients the results they need. To schedule a free consultation, visit Osterbauer Law Firm online or call Joe’s office at (612) 334-3434.
