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08 Nov, 2023 by Gol m
Stephen Steeler is a crook ! He made already challenging and emotionally charged situation even worse. He repeatedly prioritized his own financial gain over the best interests of the clients, providing subpar legal advice, failing to communicate effectively, and dragging out the legal process unnecessarily. He charged for every single thing that he had to do and heightened emotional distress for those going through a divorce. His reputation is a sham ! Avoid this guy
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02 Nov, 2022 by Jeff pennington
5 Stars! Best divorce attroney in the State of Georgia!
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19 Jun, 2021 by Miles j
Not a good lawyer if you don’t want to get a second job or second mortgage just to pay for your divorce. FYI - never, ever, EVER sign a non refundable retainer with an attorney. The only lawyers who do this are the shady crooks.
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08 Nov, 2023 by Gol m
Stephen Steeler is a crook ! He made already challenging and emotionally charged situation even worse. He repeatedly prioritized his own financial gain over the best interests of the clients, providing subpar legal advice, failing to communicate effectively, and dragging out the legal process unnecessarily. He charged for every single thing that he had to do and heightened emotional distress for those going through a divorce. His reputation is a sham ! Avoid this guy
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02 Nov, 2022 by Jeff pennington
5 Stars! Best divorce attroney in the State of Georgia!
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19 Jun, 2021 by Miles j
Not a good lawyer if you don’t want to get a second job or second mortgage just to pay for your divorce. FYI - never, ever, EVER sign a non refundable retainer with an attorney. The only lawyers who do this are the shady crooks.
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11 Sep, 2024 by Shaakirah landers
07 Jan, 2023 by Marcia sylvester
No reason to fear this place they drag out chump change cases and have newbies and interns do all the work. Big companies spend more money in litigation than they would have if they settled. Stay away!!!
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08 Dec, 2022 by Delisa shatteen
Definitely would not recommend for hire… they purposely dragged out our case. The Plaintiff was more than willing to settle for way less than they was in the beginning but the attorney never said a word. No calls, communication and very unprofessional. Wish we saw these reviews beforehand.
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14 Mar, 2024 by Emily hise
Both Andrew and Stacey were fantastic to work with. They were so knowledgeable which made me feel at ease because I came into this situation knowing very little about pursuing a personal injury case. Not only did they exceeded my expectations on the case, they were also such genuine people I enjoyed working with!
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07 Mar, 2024 by Ari preston
I had a traumatic experience, and these fine people helped fight for me. They were patient and caring through out the whole ordeal. The communication could use some work, but I would still recommend them to fight for you during an injury. They listen and work hard to uncover the truth. If you have had an injury, and need representation I highly recommend contacting them. And Mr. Andrew was very on point . His staff kept me informed with each step of this process.
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23 Feb, 2024 by Fred fred
This law firm is top notch. They assisted me with my case with excellent results. They kept me informed throughout the process and was always accessible when I contacted them. I highly recommend this firm to anyone that needs legal advice.
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14 Apr, 2024 by Anonymous
I highly recommend using better representation for cases that matter. You get what you pay for with this one.
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24 Oct, 2023 by Tracy
Jennifer and her staff were wonderful until I paid her. They never had their crap together. Even sent me paperwork with my name on it, but other people's information in it. I would have to ask several times for paperwork to be filed. She didn't fight for me in court. Not sure what I paid $4000 for. I guess so she could get a new Louis. I asked multiple times for finalizd paperwork after we went to court and never received it. I finally stopped asking. I regret the day I hired her.
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11 Jan, 2023 by Anonymous
Jennifer is a sloppy lawyer who lies and bases information off word of mouth instead of really digging deeper her own self. She stays on her phone more than she pays attention and also tries to humiliate people on facts of assumption rather than truth. The bar really needs to look into her practices and dismiss her!
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09 May, 2023 by Jennifer campbell
27 Oct, 2021 by Steve stone
19 Nov, 2020 by Rebecca etheridge
They may need someone else to field their calls
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10 Nov, 2017 by Linda
Attorney Virginia Patterson did work for me on several complicated real estate deals and represented me in a litigation lawsuit. I have 100% respect for her because she knows the law and gets results, every time! I've used attorneys from all over Savannah, GA to Augusta, GA and I come back to Mrs. Patterson every time. I would recommend her 100% to anyone looking for a loyal, honest, and dedicated attorney, whose prices are affordable and fair.
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10 Mar, 2016 by Anonymous
HIRED FOR CIVIL CASE. PROVIDED $2500 RETAINER. DID NOT FOLLOW THROUGH ON ACTION. DID NOT RETURN CALLS, AND DID NOT SET UP MEETINGS WHEN REQUESTED. VERY DISAPPOINTING.
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16 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Hired ms. Patterson Jan 2012 paid her $1,500.00 to fix a road problem between me and a land owner next to mine. She has taken no action on my behalf so far and has not reurned my money.
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26 May, 2024 by Robert
Paul Felser is a do Lawyer who just take you money,I would think this is malpractice.
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30 Dec, 2023 by Anonymous
Amazing!!! Was able to get all my benefits back and then some. The staff was so helpful in a very hard time in my life .
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30 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Very dissatisfied
Never have I dedicated so much time and money to prove my on the job injuries with no compensation hiring this attorney. I cannot with a good conscience recommend this attorney.
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12 Jul, 2024 by United civilrights
when you call the da office Georgia put you on hold listen then hang up because people of color everyone have the same blood that they breathe we need Equal justice biracial families just as well as anything else cases Annette properly investigators in the juvenile office does not return calls back they hold back a lot of things and make up cases more so than being straightforward to get a case moving in the right direction division of civil rights mediation unfair practice in the judicial system
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21 Dec, 2023 by William clemons
The District Attorney in Paulding County has everything to do with Deputy Michael McMaster's actions. They stand by and help the police abuse and physically assault innocent people. They also aid and guide the police department in filing false police reports. This is a criminal organization akin to a GANG and needs to be maliciously dismantled by the public of Paulding County before they hurt more innocent people.
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01 Jan, 2017 by David dorsey
The court system including. Judges
That refuse to by the letter of law.
They have broke the law.
The da has broke the law and protected
Women who broke the law. As he received sex for favors.child support
Recovery broke the law. Fraud. ..
Does a veteran have to die to get
Justice 80.000 dollars paid by fraud by
Court. Crimes against a usa soldier. Wife had many affairs.said she did.
No dna done. Vasectomy. Done sperm
Count done 0. Closed out my divorce
.state board/// and attorney general
Needs. To do investigation.
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04 Oct, 2024 by Cam step
12 Aug, 2024 by John beck
I contacted the Attorney Generals Office to register a complaint of Fraud. I did so on line. They told me it would be a fee of $5.00 for filing, so I used a credit card. But before I could be connected to an attorney they wanted me to agree to an automatic withdrawal of $60.00 a month until I cancelled. This is another form of extortion especially since the Attorney General is paid by tax payers. Do not consumers have any protection by our government without them trying to extort funds from taxpayers?
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02 Jul, 2024 by Dwayne wafford
10 May, 2023 by Bryn
When my son was 10 years old he was struck with a stick by a karate instructor, leaving a big red welt. I gave Veline the pictures to start a case against the instuctor, he did Nothing. Turns out he was friends with the family of the idiot Karate teacher, and he conveniently lost the pics. Last name was Carter. I never forgot. Never will forget. I watched and Karma dealt this lawyer some tragic hands.
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24 Aug, 2017 by Melissa
Initial consult went good, said he would get on it right away, so he was retained. Instead, it took a month to finally file a divorce not involving children for my daughter and took 2 months for him to file the restraining order that was needed the day of consult. He was 40 min. late to first court date and was unprepared. Temporary order awarded was much less due to him being unprepared and did not disclose all the debt that was provided to him. Still waiting on modification of temporary order and contempt order filing as the other party is now 24 days late. Requested an itemized bill over a week ago, and still has not produced one. In the process of filing complaint with Georgia Bar for ineffective assistance of counsel and figure out how to come up with more money to hire someone else and get this finalized. Due to our terrible experience with Mr. Veline, I WOULD NOT recommend him to anyone.
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21 Aug, 2017 by Anonymous
Carl never returns your calls, even if you call and leave a message every day for 2 weeks straight. It's better to make an appointment to see him rather than showing up. He will make you believe that he is going to do something immediately but if you do not stay on him daily, it will take over a month to get done. He was late to court and not prepared. If you decide to use Carl, be certain to read over every detail of his documents before he files them because you will find mistakes.
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17 Jun, 2011 by Anonymous
Being his client was a nightmare, he never returned phone calls, never gave any legal advice, never prepared my case, and would never let me know what was going on with my case.....
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15 Apr, 2011 by Anonymous
I have an AWFUL experience with this attorney. He never returned calls and was not helpful to me at all.
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25 Aug, 2024 by Kaytlin
Incompetent, unprofessional, and clearly more interested in responding to one-star reviews than in communicating with their clients. I reached out to Attorney Tipton-Downie at the beginning of June for assistance with my disability case (which was already sitting at over 600+ days due to mishandling by the SSA) and appeal. This attorney had come to me highly recommended by a member of my family who had done business with her before. Over a month after submitting my case to the practice for review, I still had received no word whatsoever. My family and I tried numerous times to contact Attorney Tipton-Downie, but were always met with some excuse (she's on lunch, out of the office, on vacation, out with COVID) and told that they weren't even sure if she had reviewed my case yet. After nearly three months with no contact from this attorney, I finally reached out to another law practice who was EXTREMELY courteous and professional; not only did they contact me immediately when I reached out for assistance, they were able to personally review my case with me and readily accepted.
About two weeks after getting the assistance of a professional practice, I actually received a letter from Attorney Tipton-Downie in the mail stating that, "We were unable to open the disc with your records from social security. Please obtain another copy if you'd like us to review your case." After nearly THREE MONTHS of no contact, I receive a 4-sentence letter telling me something that should have been communicated LONG before and would have only taken a simple phone call from someone at the practice. Because they were incapable of accessing a simple disc, I was met with silence; the disc was later tested and found to work perfectly fine. I genuinely can not comprehend the sheer level of incompetence and lack of compassion demonstrated by Attorney Tipton-Downie. Thank you for letting me down when I was at my most vulnerable and needed a helping hand. Not only have you lost my respect, but also the business of one of your own clients who formerly sang your praises. I do hope you reflect on your attitude towards your clients; we are all disappointed in you. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors because it is apparent that you will need it.
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08 Jul, 2020 by Tonia
Critical: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
Today is July 8, 2020, this law firm was recommend to me by word of mouth. I had back surgery on June 3, 2020 and was not able to drive from Savannah, Ga to Vidalia, Ga unless I had a driver. I contact the office and spoke with Pamela concerning obtaining help with applying for disability. After a phone conversation and emailing the start up documents needed in order for the law office to assist myself with my claim. Less than a week after my surgery, I was able to get a ride from Savannah to Vidalia, Ga to drop off all needed paperwork so hopefully obtaining help with my case. Each week I called to check and see rather they needed anything else from myself to get my case rolling. Still nothing... no calls no emails no nothing Next day still nothing. Today I called to find out Pamela no longer works with this law firm. Each week I called and ask for Pamela and all I got was someone will return your call the next day. Today I went to the office to pick up all my paperwork and my disc of my records so I can seek help from another law firm. Today, I had to sit over 2 hours waiting on my paperwork only to be told the lawyer was on video calling. Professionally was horrible, no response concerning my case nor any type of communication what so ever in a month's time frame. This law firm was a Big Waste of my time for myself in the month time frame they had all my paperwork needed to start my case.
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30 Jan, 2015 by Anonymous
Lied, misled, withheld information, spoke to me as if I were a bad taste in his mouth, I hired him because he had a reputation of being very "forceful" which to me, was what I thought I wanted dealing with insurance companies, but he also acted that way toward me, He will not follow directions, he does what he wants, and then gets frustrated when you ask him to do what you ask... I finally listened to enough, then as usual he will ask you if you just want your file, so I said, yes! Then he placed a lien on any future settlement, and when I asked why, he said because he wrote a letter, so I replied "Well are you gonna finish this case?" He replied "no." Apparently, he only has time to rob the injured, If you need a lawyer, pick anyone else! He'll speak badly of any lawyer you may mention, I can't say enough, to warn you how bad he will leave your situation if you place your security in his hands! You will have to do all your own research, and he will never return your calls.
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10 Aug, 2022 by Zachary
I hired Mr Hurtado on December 2nd 2021 and since that time he has not worked on my case to the best of his ability treated me like I was just a number his legal staff refused to answer emails and calls he did not return phone calls when he texted me. his legal assistant on August 8th by omission admitted that they are working for the defense. when asked a direct question are they working for me or the defense. after trying to talk to his supervisor on August 8th she being Katherine Newsom refuse to take any action about this or look into the case further and gave Mr Hurtado and his legal team every excuse in the book on what they did to me. I had a doctor's appointment on August 4th that required me get another MRI of the shoulder I had worked on and his legal team still has not texted me emailed me or called me with a further appointment this is unacceptable. on August 8th I asked his legal team who do they work for I had to ask this question 30 times do they work for me their client or the defense and which I got no response. on August 8th is supervisor and for me that they're going to withdraw from my case and I need to find another lawyer what have they worked on on my case. and this was after having issues with my workers compensation pay where I have not been paid since July 28th through August 9th and Counting.
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13 Dec, 2015 by Pedro
His attorneys are horrible, don't care about my case, just wanted to get it settled as quick as possible so he can get paid. I'm just a number to them. Do not hire them.
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13 Aug, 2018 by Lulu
Not only she lacked communication but instead of helping she had us owe money! She kept most of the money and the rest went to medical bills . We had to pay out of our pockets while she walked away with her pockets full of cash.
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19 Aug, 2009 by Anonymous
When I was first introduced to Mark Segal I thought he would be able to handle my case in a reasonable amount of time. It turned out that Mark Segal did more to hurt my case than help it. To start off, we had a decent settlement that the insurance company had offer. Mark decided to turn down the offer for a better one. During the end of his service, the insurance company decided to offer less than a quarter of the original offer. Second, Mark failed to keep me informed of my case on a regular basis. Third, Mark is not trustworthy. There was many times when Mark had the chance to tell me the truth about my case and failed to do so. Fourth, Mark was finally dismiss from my case when my investigation turned up that Mark was working with the same insurance company that I had a case against. Last but not least, I try to obtain a copy of my file from Mark; it took 7 months and the act of the Georgia State Bar to step in. I would not recommend this lawyer to anyone.
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08 Feb, 2011 by George
I hired him to represent me in a DUI - Less Safe case. When meeting him at his office, I noticed he was very professionally dressed and has very beautiful hand writing. After telling him details of my case, he said that unless the videos show me falling down drunk, then most likely we would be able to get my charge reduced to a wreckless driving. He spouted names of judges, solicitors, cops, etc all in an attempt to make me think he knows the people I would be dealing with. When we showed up for the hearing and asked for a reduced sentence the police officer refused to lower it. Now faced with an administrative hearing the following week I asked him what were the odds that I was going to lose this. Rajotte completely flip-flopped saying "This isn't Vegas. I'm not here to give you odds." I could not believe my ears. I'm not an attorney, I needed advice. He wasn't giving it. He moved the case to Fulton County. We proceeded to the administrative hearing where he argued for close to 2 hours. When I got the judge's decision I found out he battled an argument that the police officer had no right to stop me for questioning. The judge recited a police officer has every right to question someone in an investigation. We lost the case! Any DUI attorney should have known he couldn't win that specific argument. Rajotte then reminded me that his 12 hours of service was now about exhausted and if we go to trial his fees were going "way up". Now already $2500 in to this I realized this guy doesn't know what he is doing. So before I allowed him to blindly walk me into another court room, I started pressing for his strategies....more than once I asked what he intended on arguing. I told him I wanted the state to know he was going to be there to put up a strong fight. He then quit my case 2 weeks before I was to go to court in Fulton County citing that he did not want to continue working with someone of a "deceptive nature". The only thing deceptive is his ability to be a good lawyer! Mr. Rajotte is not there to defend. He just wants to work a plea and not worry about the work involved in an actual hearing. Stay away from him at all costs! This is my first time dealing with a DUI and will be the last. I have had 2 other attorneys for other stuff, but this guy is hands down the worst of the 3.
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05 Apr, 2023 by Anonymous
Don’t hire this lawyer he will never call you back and he is for the employer and not the heart worker I am so disappointing
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08 Jul, 2020 by Anonymous
Mr Lorberbaum previously represented my case for nearly two years. He did very little which resulted in a decision to retain different counsel.
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14 May, 2015 by Dana
Ms. Benedict was the most unprofessional lawyer that I have ever had any dealings with. I had to initiate contact. She constantly ignored contact. She has very poor relationships with most judges that she has come in contact with. She cancelled hearing after hearing causing my case to drag on years longer than it should have only to quit and place such a high lien against my claim it was hard to find another attorney. I would not recommend her to represent a gnat.
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09 Aug, 2021 by Anonymous
Stay away from this ATTORNEY he ranned off with my money and did not do anything really. You have been warned he is GARBAGE I will be filing a complaint at the GEORGIA BAR on him..HE manipulates you in to give him money and he don’t practice in the field you need. Once stay on him he has ANGER issues and will not DO his JOB he DISAPPEAR with your MONEY. HE DOES not DESERVE 1 STAR he is HORRIBLE. HE has made me lose everything..
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15 Mar, 2024 by Anonymous
Shows up to court unprepared, Late with filings and had to request extensions on documents due by court order. Acts like a high schooler looking through her bag when aske for a homework assignment she didn't do.
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02 May, 2017 by Anonymous
did not settle my case i have been waiting for years and they lied about me and is trying to take 70.00 a week from my 284.13 and we are hurting so bad.and they told me they did not have explain things to me. and i said that you are supposed to get paid for settling the case not taking money that i already had coming in. in my books they are the worst kind of lawyers.they are nasty over the phone anytime i have called to check on my claim they do not keep me up on my case. they are the worst in my opinion.
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29 Oct, 2011 by Anonymous
The worse attorney and firm I ever had to deal with! They do not advocate for their clients. I had to do all of the leg work for my case. I had a court apperances and no one from the office came to represent me in court unlike other attorneys for their clients.They do not return phone calls in a timely fashion, They are always unavailable for meetings. I simply advise anyone not to use this firm.
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25 Oct, 2022 by John failla
Slam dunk case with the Atlanta EEOC visiting the city of Savannah on two separate occasions and giving me the right to sue for age discrimination for the professional position of city surveyor. The attorneys for the city scared her off and she ran away after the initial meeting. If you need a fighter you’ll be better served representing yourself.
She’s a loser!
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11 Nov, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. Abernathy has some serious problems. By not showing up to the appellate court, not once but twice, when notified caused me to lose my case and more than $5000
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07 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Daniel took my case, a cut and dried case. He just let 2 years go by, telling me everything was proceeding. As time is expiring on the deadline to settle, I had to find a new lawyer. He never gave an explanation as to why he did nothing. I am so disappointed and can never recommend him as a lawyer.
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09 Sep, 2022 by Anonymous
Paid $5000 he lied about countenance and motions filed. He did nothing but get us more grief and in more trouble with the system.
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Do for You
A workers’ compensation lawyer specializes in helping employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job to receive the benefits they are entitled to under workers' compensation laws. These lawyers represent injured workers in claims for medical benefits, wage replacement, and other compensation related to workplace injuries or illnesses. They also help when claims are denied, benefits are delayed, or disputes arise with the employer or the insurance company.
Whether you've been injured on the job, developed an occupational illness, or are dealing with a denied workers' compensation claim, a workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
When Should I Hire a Workers' Compensation Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a workers' compensation lawyer in several situations, especially when complications arise during the claims process or when your rights as an injured worker are being challenged. Some common reasons to hire a workers' compensation lawyer include:
- Claim denial: If your workers' compensation claim has been denied, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision and represent you in hearings or litigation.
- Inadequate benefits: If the insurance company offers you a settlement that doesn’t cover your medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf for a fair amount.
- Delay in receiving benefits: If your benefits are being delayed, a lawyer can help expedite the process to ensure you receive timely compensation.
- Permanent disability: If your injury leads to permanent disability (partial or total), a lawyer can help you navigate the more complex process of securing long-term benefits.
- Retaliation by employer: If your employer retaliates against you for filing a workers' compensation claim (e.g., by firing or demoting you), a lawyer can protect your rights and pursue legal action.
- Third-party liability: If a third party (e.g., a contractor or equipment manufacturer) was responsible for your injury, a lawyer can help you pursue additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
- Pre-existing conditions: If your employer or the insurance company claims that your injury is related to a pre-existing condition, a lawyer can help you present evidence showing that the injury was work-related.
Hiring a lawyer early in the process can prevent delays, avoid mistakes, and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under workers' compensation law.
What Does a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Do?
A workers' compensation lawyer provides a range of legal services to injured workers, ensuring that they receive the benefits they deserve. Their tasks often include:
- Filing claims: Helping injured workers prepare and file their workers' compensation claims to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
- Appealing denied claims: Representing workers whose claims have been denied and guiding them through the appeals process, including hearings and court appearances.
- Negotiating settlements: Negotiating with insurance companies to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
- Handling disputes: Resolving disputes between the injured worker, the employer, and the insurance company regarding the amount of compensation or the nature of the injury.
- Coordinating medical evidence: Gathering and presenting medical records, expert testimony, and other evidence to support the workers' compensation claim.
- Advocating for benefits: Ensuring that injured workers receive all the benefits they’re entitled to, including temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and medical treatment.
- Filing third-party lawsuits: In cases where a third party is responsible for the injury, a workers' compensation lawyer may also pursue a personal injury lawsuit to recover additional damages.
How Are Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Paid?
Workers' compensation lawyers typically charge a contingency fee, meaning they only get paid if they successfully recover benefits for you. This fee is usually a percentage of the benefits awarded, and the specific percentage is often regulated by state law. Here's how it generally works:
- Contingency fee: The lawyer's fee is typically between 15% and 25% of the total benefits awarded to you. You don’t have to pay any upfront legal fees, and the lawyer’s fee comes out of the settlement or benefit award.
- No fee if no recovery: If the lawyer doesn’t recover any benefits for you, you generally don’t have to pay for their services.
- State regulations on fees: Many states cap the percentage that workers' compensation lawyers can charge, and some states require the fee to be approved by the workers' compensation board or judge.
Be sure to discuss the fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation to understand how much you will owe if your case is successful.
How Much Does a Workers' Compensation Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a workers' compensation lawyer typically depends on the contingency fee arrangement, meaning the lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the benefits you receive. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fees: Most workers' compensation lawyers charge between 15% and 25% of the total settlement or benefits awarded. For example, if you receive $50,000 in benefits, the lawyer’s fee would range from $7,500 to $12,500.
- State regulations: Some states limit the percentage that workers' compensation lawyers can charge. In these cases, the fee is usually capped, often at 20% to 25%, depending on state law.
- Additional costs: Some lawyers may charge for out-of-pocket expenses, such as filing fees, medical records retrieval, and expert witness testimony, though these costs are typically deducted from the settlement after the case is won.
You should always ask for a clear explanation of fees and potential additional costs during your consultation so you understand the financial arrangement.
Top Questions to Ask a Workers' Compensation Lawyer
Before hiring a workers' compensation lawyer, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure they are the best fit for your case. Key questions to ask include:
-
What experience do you have with workers' compensation cases?
Ensure the lawyer has experience handling cases similar to yours, especially if your injury is severe or the case involves disputes. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee and whether there are any additional costs you need to be aware of. -
What is the likelihood of success in my case?
Ask for an honest assessment of your case, including the potential challenges and outcomes. -
Have you handled cases like mine before?
Find out if the lawyer has experience dealing with cases involving similar injuries or disputes, such as denied claims or permanent disability. -
How long will the process take?
While it’s difficult to predict an exact timeline, the lawyer should be able to provide a general estimate based on their experience with similar cases. -
Will you personally handle my case?
In larger firms, junior attorneys or paralegals may handle parts of your case. Make sure you know who will be working on your claim.
How to Check the Credibility of a Workers' Compensation Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable workers' compensation lawyer, follow these steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Verify their bar status: Check with your state bar association to confirm that the lawyer is licensed and in good standing, with no disciplinary actions against them.
- Look for workers' compensation experience: Review the lawyer’s website or professional profile to ensure they specialize in workers' compensation law and have successfully handled cases similar to yours.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about the lawyer’s expertise and service.
- Ask for references: A credible lawyer should be willing to provide references from past clients who can speak to their experience in workers' compensation cases.
- Check for professional affiliations: Membership in organizations like the Workers' Injury Law & Advocacy Group (WILG) or local bar association committees on workers' compensation can indicate the lawyer’s commitment to this area of law.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most out of your first consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Accident report or incident documentation: Bring any documentation related to your workplace injury or illness, including accident reports or notifications to your employer.
- Medical records: Provide copies of medical records, including treatment notes, doctor’s reports, and any information related to your injury or condition.
- Employer correspondence: Bring any letters, emails, or forms related to your claim from your employer or the workers' compensation insurance company.
- Wage and benefits information: Provide information on your wages, benefits, and any lost income due to the injury.
- List of questions: Prepare questions about your case, the process, costs, and what to expect moving forward.
- Timeline of events: Prepare a timeline of the incident, your injury, and any medical treatment or communication with your employer and the insurance company.
Being well-prepared for your consultation will allow the lawyer to assess your case more effectively and provide you with the best possible legal advice.
