How Do I Find a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Lancaster?
Injured workers in Lancaster might need a workers’ compensation attorney for a number of different reasons. First of all, they may simply need support and guidance as they file an workplace injury claim for the first time. This can help injured workers receive a fair, adequate settlement for their injuries. Workers may also seek help from an attorney if their claims have been denied, as a legal professional can help with the appeals process. But how do you find a reliable workers’ comp attorney in Lancaster, and what should injured workers be looking for as they evaluate various candidates?
One of the best options is to simply book a consultation with an attorney whom you might want to work with in the future. These initial consultations are often free of charge, and they allow you to evaluate legal professionals without committing financially. During this consultation process, your attorney can assess your unique situation and recommend the best course of legal action. At the same time, you can evaluate the attorney’s credentials, experience, and general philosophy toward workers’ compensation law.
Act Quickly: You cannot take forever to decide on which workers’ comp attorney you would like to work with in California. In fact, if you take too long to file your claim, you could lose the right to receive compensation altogether. This is due to a law in California known as the “statute of limitations.” This law states that if a year passes after your injury and you still have not filed a claim, you will be barred from taking any further legal action.
While it is always a good idea to consider your options, you need to narrow down your choices. Sometimes it is best to simply choose an attorney and get the ball rolling rather than waiting too long. A year might sound like a long time, but the months can pass by more quickly than you realize.
What to Look for in a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Ideally, you should work with an experienced lawyer who has handled workers’ compensation claims and appeals in the past. You can always ask lawyers whether they have won settlements for injured workers in the past, as many of these legal professionals have strong track records of recovering considerable compensation for their clients. Do not make the mistake of hiring a lawyer who focuses primarily on other practice areas, such as family law or criminal law. It is best to choose a Lancaster workers’ comp lawyer who handles these cases on a regular basis, preferably making up the majority of their client base.
Secondly, you might want to consider an attorney’s educational background. All licensed lawyers go through an educational process that is basically identical, and about seven to eight years of post-secondary study are required to become an attorney in the United States. They must also pass the bar in California, which requires an additional period of study and preparation. Big-name law schools can be impressive on resumes, but they are only part of the picture. Test scores and GPAs can also be taken into account when choosing attorneys.
I can’t afford to hire a lawyer? No worries! Most workers’ compensation attorneys allow their clients to pay on a contingency basis. This means that if you don’t receive any money from your workers’ compensation claim, you do not have to pay your lawyer anything. If you do receive a settlement, you will pay your attorney a portion of your compensation. This allows injured workers to reliably file claims without having to overcome the financial barrier of hiring an attorney.
In other words, this system provides legal assistance to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it. This is another consideration you need to take into account when choosing your attorney, as each lawyer might take a slightly different percentage as their contingency fee. With that being said, those who demand a higher contingency fee may be able to help you recover a higher settlement amount, so don’t assume that a higher fee is always a bad thing.
Enlist the Help of a Lancaster Workers’ Comp Attorney Today
If you have been searching for a qualified, experienced workers’ comp attorney in Lancaster, California, look no further than Los Angeles Workers Compensation Attorney. We know that these workplace injuries can be quite severe, and we are ready to fight for your rights as an American worker. Even if your claim has already been denied once, you do not need to simply give up on your settlement. With the right legal representation, you can push back against the insurance companies and receive a fair, adequate settlement for your legitimate workplace injuries. Book your consultation today to learn more.
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