Top Tips When Hiring Compensation Lawyers
Have you suffered a workplace injury? Well, if you have, a compensation lawyer will help you secure compensation from your employer or insurance company. Below is a guide discussing the considerations to make when hiring a compensation lawyer to represent you during your workplace injury suit.
Experience
Workplace injury suits can be quite tricky. More often than not, insurance companies will want to prove that your negligence caused the injury. An experienced lawyer can anticipate the arguments of the insurance company. As such, they will be well prepared on how to counter their arguments.
Availability
The lawyer must be available to work on your case. Inquire about their operating hours and whether they can prioritise your issue. Workplace injury suits can take several months. A lawyer dedicated to finalising the matter can help speed things up.
Investigative Skills
Investigations are a critical aspect of any workplace injury. As such, your lawyer must be an excellent investigator. Alternatively, they should have a team of experienced private investigators. The investigations should cover the following:
- What was the immediate cause of the accident? For instance, it could be you slipped at the workplace or were injured when operating a machine.
- What were the conditions that led to the incident? For example, was the machine faulty, or did you fail to follow the operation manual?
- How did you respond to the incident? Ideally, you should seek immediate medical attention. If you do not, you could develop long-term complications.
- What corroborates your story? The lawyer may need CCTV footage and witness statements. Besides, they could need an expert to prove that a machine was faulty.
The lawyer will need a doctor's report to determine the severity of your injuries. It is important to note that you cannot claim compensation for pre-existing conditions. As such, you must inform your lawyer if you had an illness before the incident.
Terms Of Engagement
Some compensation lawyers work on a no fee no win basis. If this is your case, check the terms of the lawyer's contract. For instance, most lawyers will compel you to give accurate and factual information. If you provide false information, the lawyer could cancel the contract. Assess the lawyer's pricing. If possible, you should work with a lawyer that has a fixed charge to avoid extra charges. Inquire about penalties. For example, the lawyer could penalise you for late repayments or if you accept an offer without the lawyer's consent.
When choosing a compensation lawyer, assess their experience, availability, investigative skills, and the terms of engagement.
For more information, contact a compensation lawyer in your area today.