Lawyers map
>623
experienced lawyers
Filter by
01 May, 2019 by Anonymous
I was shocked at the first two great reviews and understood the one star review as I experienced the same. This guy, although I am sure he is a nice guy, just doesn't fight for the injured worker. He has worked too long on the other side and sympathizes with the insurance company letting them essentially drive the car. I too have worked both sides and I would not hire this guy to save my life. Very provoking. He did not take the time to review my file properly and thought that I was suing someone else, and did not know a completely other proponent of my case. He had my file for 10 months and just looked at my medical the day I fired him. Not only is he not a good match, he just doesn't see through the eyes of a Plaintiff's attorney. Possibly rubbing shoulders with his old cronies as well. I say that as a judgment call... But, he is a nice guy.
Read more
13 Mar, 2018 by Regina
Thank you for all you did for me, Mark won both my cases, he show me compassion on my journey, Mark humbleness mean a lot, I really do thanks God for him and his staff.
God bless Mark and his staff
Thank you all
Read more
05 Nov, 2015 by Nichole
Just wanted to take the time to the you for being there when I needed you. Everything has been going fine since the settlement. I have finally found a full time job making $10.70 a hr with plenty of hours. GOD is GOOD! I still have some pain but I'm definitely working through it. Again just wanted to say Thank You!
Read more
07 Oct, 2022 by Georgine
He was great ! Cared he worked hard and didn’t stop until we won !!!! He had to go to court twice for me and both times he nailed it!! He is a easy going hard working great attorney! I definitely recommend him.
Read more
21 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Mr. Frankie was great. He was professional. He was kind. He went out of his way to accommodate me. The process went smoothly and I was more than happy with my settlement.
Read more
04 Feb, 2017 by Anonymous
Did not help my case. Not work into my case - did not return phone calls. I should have research him- I did after I obtained him- if I had- I would have NOT ever hired him. It was a waste of time.
Read more
30 Oct, 2024 by Kmbs
29 Jun, 2024 by Scott neal
As of 2024, Cooley has failed to reach the 75% two year bar passage required of ABA Standard 316 for continued accreditation. Multiple media outlets have labeled Cooley the "worst law school in America".
Read more
07 Jun, 2024 by B h
As an older student raising a family Cooley offered me the opportunity to attend weekend and evening classes allowing me to fulfill my dream of becoming a lawyer.
Read more
11 Aug, 2023 by Deborah thomas
08 Aug, 2023 by Rauha herritz
Great people to work with!
Read more
04 Jan, 2023 by Ed dans
Tony spagnuolo is a lazy arrogant person. He has excuses for everything and will lie to your face. Don't trust this man
Read more
11 Aug, 2023 by Deborah thomas
08 Aug, 2023 by Rauha herritz
Great people to work with!
Read more
04 Jan, 2023 by Ed dans
Tony spagnuolo is a lazy arrogant person. He has excuses for everything and will lie to your face. Don't trust this man
Read more
08 Jul, 2024 by Fannie craft
Poor communication. He rarely returned calls. Was retained for a post conviction case (appeal) and this attorney presented the same evidence as the trial attorney… no new evidence nor error was presented in the appellate brief….he was not prepared nor did he research the case. Very disappointed.. would not recommend.
Read more
18 Jun, 2021 by Monnencia
We consulted with John a a few items. John clearly listened to our questions, thoroughly answered them and offer counsel on those matters.
Read more
11 Jun, 2021 by Debbie
What an awesome Lawyer! He explain things to me in a way I could understand. His prices were reasonable and affordable. I would highly recommend John.
Read more
12 Sep, 2023 by James sigler
Never returns my phone calls.When he dose answer,he acts like I'm a bothering him!!
Read more
19 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Shearer was a wonderful attorney and helped me tremedosly. I will recommend him to all family and friends.
Read more
19 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
Mr. Shearer was an amazing help in my life. He is very informative as well as supportive. He was there every step of the way guiding me to the best possible outcome with his immense knowledge in his fight for your rights.
Read more
18 Jan, 2024 by Bradley
He fought for me when the state wasn't helping me with disability. He made sure he and I where ready for my hearing. Him and his help at the office was there anytime I had a question big or small.
Read more
11 Jun, 2022 by Anonymous
I contacted Garrett, for representation in a case. In which another attorney refered him to me so i gave this guy the Benefit of the Doubt because my other attorney before Garrett was also worthless. Then Come to find out I was in the same Boat once again!! With this attorney. Garrett does not and will not answer his calls or emails. Purposely ignores you, And/or if he does text back. Tells you he will call back by the end of the day. And never does. I've gone Months without a single text or call back.
He Does not make his customers a priority or Number 1!! Which he should go above and Beyond for his customers!! With that being said his Customers are the ones that pays his Bills and Mortgage at his Home and firm! He will even go to the extreme of being Lackadaisical in which He Will/Did Not turn in the Judgement of the verdict to Court services. About the other Party Being sued and which party Won The Case and who Won the Award for Monthly installments!!
I DO NOT RECOMMEND GARRETT TENHAVE CHAPMAN!
YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR IN THIS
GUY
CUSTOMERS BEWARE.
IF I DIDN'T HAVE TO WORK I WOULD DEFINITELY BE PICKETING WITH A SIGN In Front Of This Guy's Firm!!
BUYERS BEWARE
Read more
14 Jul, 2015 by Jim smith
great lawyer. couldn't have asked for a better one. i used him for my ssd case and he really did the necessary work so that i could get approved and get my benefits.
his assistants were really helpful too. they were all caring and i could tell they were doing their best. i don't regret hiring him one bit.
Read more
27 Jun, 2024 by Jade
I came to Eric Kihm (on a recommendation) after another disability attorney had failed me miserably. Mr. Kihm and his assistant, Kay, helped me navigate the disability process, told me what I could anticipate at each step, and had compassion along the way - all of which I appreciated tremendously! As everyone knows, disability cases take forever, but I am pleased to say that Eric Kihm helped me be successful in my case. I absolutely, highly recommend him! His assistant, Kay, is always on top of things, makes sure that all paperwork is in order, and always responded immediately to questions. They are a fabulous team and I am forever grateful for their expertise, care, and support. I'd give more stars if that were an option.
Read more
28 Jul, 2022 by Anonymous
0/10 would not recommend. Negligence for reasonable accommodation to disabilities. Kihm is scatter brained, unorganized, talks in circles, and is quick to shunt a client's needs to the side. Shame on this 'law firm' for non compliance and lack of clear communication. To anyone looking for help...research your choices first.
Read more
28 Jan, 2013 by Anonymous
Atty Ehrlich appears to be very intelligent, skillful and personable. It will be interesting to see how well he actually work for an equitable and fair settlement on my behalf, as there seem to be a long friendship with he and the opposing attorney! Hopefully an equitable settlement will be reached soon and I will share the results.
Read more
11 Aug, 2024 by Abigail garner
susan is what you would refer to as a female dog. she has a “warm” place waiting for her, as the church would say. she dehumanizes anyone she can, it’s almost as if she gets off on that.
Read more
05 Aug, 2024 by Sallyann brown
They are a collection agency and they charge interest on the collection so you think that you owe the outstanding balance but your balance takes longer to pay off because of there interest
Read more
29 Jul, 2024 by Blucanti
No effort on their part towards my disability case. I went out of my way in attempts to get the information needed for the case, spent months working on it, and my representative who constantly was on vacation threw me to the wayside and told me there was no case to be had. Complete waste of my time and I should of never considered this place to begin with.
Read more
20 Dec, 2019 by Mattie calhoun
Don't go there if you expect to be represented in court they will not go there I was so poorly represented I had to deal with Medicare on my own the attorney never tried to recover any money for me from Medicare and they were rude to me for asking questions I don't think Mr Rosen knows that he has some bad people working for him don't go there if you have a good case I am so sorry I went!!!
Read more
01 Nov, 2018 by Lisa pollard
Had a great experience with Fred Rosen and my auto accident case . Another firm turned me down but Fred thought we had a case and we certainly did . Great settlement and outstanding client services . I would refer him to anyone !
Read more
12 Oct, 2018 by A c
I called this Office looking for help not looking for an enemy. I come to find that the paralegal NANCY I discussed my pending case with proceeded to hang up the call from me and call the person that I was seeking legal advice about and then proceeds to tell him exactly what I had just relayed to the paralegal. They were Obviously good friends because she informed me she called the person I was seeking legal advise about while he was on vacation. NANCY then proceeded to tell me all the lies that he had already told me previously, ASTONISHING. I have never been more distraught or afraid since this paralegal NANCY has made that phone call and relinquished all information to this person. The paralegal NANCY then proceeds to inform me what I should do and how I should proceed with this case. Which is to do NOTHING and talk to this horrible, lying deceiving person and work things out. HOW HORRIBLE WHEN YOU LOOK FOR HELP THAT YOU GET DECEIVING, HORRIBLE PEOPLE THAT ARE WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. LIKE THIS FIRM HAS JUST PROVEN.
THANK YOU NANCY FOR ALL YOUR HELP🤔
Read more
13 Apr, 2024 by Farhan hussain
Despite dismissing my case, my lawyer continued to charge me for their services. This lack of transparency and consideration for my situation was disappointing. I would advise others to be cautious when engaging with this firm.
Read more
13 Apr, 2024 by Ahmed naeem
My case was dismissed but, my lawyer continued to charge me for their services. This lack of transparency and consideration for my situation was disappointing. Much more professional and transparent attorneys out there to work with. Avoid at all costs.
Read more
07 Sep, 2023 by Jessica bryant
Your radio ad is tacky and very weird.
Read more
19 Mar, 2024 by Tj mc
I was not fully together with my thoughts as I would have hoped to have been when I placed the call, so I stumbled through my words, Hoping it would come to me as i contiued to struggle through, the man who answered my call got irritated and became threateningly loud and angry with me. I was so shocked by the tone he took and how loud and rude he became, I knew it was best to say, " Never mind, I don't need your help and discontinued the call. Shocked and unsettled, but realizing my own shortcomings in the transaction, I decided to retain services where I could be met with patients and understanding. But I am grateful I got to see up front instead of later how unpleasant I could be treated.
Read more
22 Jul, 2022 by Harry b
Big farse..don't waste your time ..you get NOTHING for free..
Read more
10 Jul, 2022 by Linda cruz
Ok
Read more
25 Sep, 2017 by Traci
Went to see Foster for free consultation; was charged $550. Foster did not tell me his fees, nor did he state I would be charged for this consult.
As I was leaving, Foster stated he required at minimum a $5,000.00 retainer up front. I put on Discover Credit Card .
I was quickly handed and signed a GENERAL fee contract; nothing else on the contract pertained to me as I was Foster’s first SSDI Overpayment case; however, I felt he needed me to sign something. I did not know any better.
ONLY AFTER I signed the agreement ( months later ) when Foster tried claiming MY SSDI backpay did I realize the fee agreement was completed with additional X’s and other information days (someone else handwrote my phone number in etc.) after I left the office, not when I was present, and without my knowledge and consent.
To find out, Foster had boxes on the fee agreement X’d stating if my SSDI benefits were reinstated, he was entitled to 15%.
Foster was NOT hired to work on SSDI benefit reinstatement, he knew this, nor did he do one thing to assist in my SSDI reinstatement. Sen. DS's office was the ONLY assistance I received and integral part in getting my SSDI benefits reinstated. NOT Foster.
In fact, Sen. S mailed us both letters informing us of the progress of my benefit reinstatement; in turn, Foster would Re-mail them to me. AND, CHARGE ME for time put into mailing correspondence I already had!!!
From the time I hired Foster June 2015 to the end of December 2016, I COULD NOT get Foster to communicate with me about my case. I sent dozens of emails and made as many phone calls reaching out.
Foster ignored me for these 6 months. I spoke to him a couple times, maybe. Finally, I decided to fire Foster at the end of December 2016. I sent a letter firing him. Instead of acknowledging the letter, Foster DROVE all the way to SSA Livonia to “review files” for my overpayment case.
Foster allegedly spent 5. 5"hours at SSA Livonia and charged me (an indigent client) $1500.00. He never provided ANY receipts (or detailed account) when I asked for them nor was I given names of people he spoke to for the five hours.
Foster repeatedly charged me in blocks of time which he would not account for in detail.
I begged Foster for to be budget conscious on several occasions.
Foster did NOT need to drive to SSA Livonia b/c he had everything he needed regarding files; to date, Foster has failed to provide me or Discover Card a breakdown (Who he spoke too? What they spoke of for 5 hours?) of exactly what he did at SSA Livonia which would cost me $1500.00!
NOT ONCE did Foster consult with me before making TWO UNNECESSARY road trips equaling $2100.00 NEVER!!
Important to note, Foster charges for EVERYTHING. He charges for every minute detail of work done and even for calls completely unrelated to your case.
Foster NEVER went over his hourly rate or why he billed the way he did; I was ignored.
Because Foster ignored me for the first 6 months he had my 5K retainer, Discover Card stated I was too late to open a dispute case going after Foster for Fraud. According to Discover, there was nothing I could do?
Two weeks before my hearing is when I was notified Foster was claiming 15% of my SSDI back pay of which he never worked one day to get re-instated.
I received another letter from Foster claiming he needed an additional $1500.00 on top of the 5K retainer I gave him already, or he would not come to the hearing.
I refused and Foster did not show up at my hearing.
Richard Foster took my ENTIRE 5K retainer; I GOT ZERO.
Read more
01 May, 2017 by Anonymous
I talked to Richard with regard to a complex litigation matter and he was very nice and knowledgable. He told me all about my case, my options and was quite honest about everything. I don't believe other reviews here reflect him as an attorney at all, I was very satisfied with my experience.
Read more
01 May, 2015 by Anonymous
Worst possible choice for a lawyer. I suffered a medical injury and became disabled. Unable to pay my mounting bills, I went to this man to help me file bankruptcy. He reassured me that if I completed the paperwork that he gave me it would cost me the $1200 retainer fee and be done in three months. It has now been 7 months and I have no idea when this will be concluded. He failed to provide the court with the correct paperwork (Declaration of Electronic Filing) and then billed me for his staff contacting me and the emails to get the signature to him again. Every time you email the office and get a response there is a charge for the secretary to write the email and then billed again for him to review it - REALLY!? If you call to see what the hold up is - you get billed for that. He also failed to let me know that I could include him in my bankruptcy filing and now owe him another $1200 (a total of $2400)! I got a notice from the lender about my car loan. I was told by the secretary (who by the way was very nice) that they'd "take care of it" but failed to tell me that I would be billed for each and every minute and it was something that I could have handled on my own. I wasn't informed or given that option. When I got my first bill I contacted the office with my concern and was told "not to worry about it because I was a good client." Yes, I did sign the agreement and am now sincerely regretting it. I had an appointment with him on that day and was rushed out of the office because he agreed at the last minute to represent another attorney's client and had to leave to make the trip out of town. I didn't want to delay him, so I just signed the forms without fully reading them (I was also in pain and very uncomfortable sitting there). I should have taken the time to go through the paperwork more carefully. But I believed what he said and trusted him to keep his word. I have now found out that my trust was misplaced. If you are filing bankruptcy, go somewhere else, read ALL the forms no matter what pressure you are under (ask up front if you will be billed for every minute you spend reading the forms, if yes take them with you and them bring them back) and MAKE SURE that you understand the timeline.
Read more
23 May, 2024 by Lee
Dishonest and disorganized unfortunately he is not up on his game. Perhaps he was earlier in his career, but at this time he seems to be disillusioned. His office is a mess, and his life seems to be too. He uses a many excuses for his unpreparedness, which ends up disadvantaging the client.
Read more
18 Jun, 2013 by Anonymous
Have needed to request up-to-date status. Pleasant, for the few times that I have talked with him during the past year. I wonder if the delay on my claim is Michigan WCA backlog, or employer's intent to delay, or inaction on the part of Timothy. Seems everyone thinks it's the other party?
Read more
20 May, 2013 by Lee
I inquired and applied for workers comp in 2007, and Atty. Appel scheduled hearings with my employers attorneys, and I was allowed to sit in on the hearings which pertained to me and the outcome of my case. I questioned as to why I was not allowed to attend the hearings on my behalf with no response. My casw was denied flat out not responsible and reasonable explaination.
Read more
23 Mar, 2019 by Anonymous
We asked this attorney to assist with a disability case. The day before a hearing, he called and it felt very much like he was intentionally trying to freak us out about stuff that we were completely unaware of and he could have let us know about weeks if not months prior. He scared us into believing a number of issues would come up that never did -- said that our disabled relative was going to be investigated by the Trump administration and a bunch of stuff that never even happened. He claimed our relative was healthy enough to work -- which did not even mesh at all with what the disability office decided (that the relative was still disabled). Calling someone the night before a disability hearing and trying to scare them into thinking they will be accused of fraud -- which never happened -- was not at all helpful for our family member and only caused them a lot of stress, lost sleep and unnecessary concern. He had a very difficult time not being confrontational with two different family members.
Read more
20 Feb, 2019 by William
Worst attorney ever promise me this promise me that saying that he would get this done and never did anything only talked to the guy twice in face-to-face meetings would never return my calls I'm just appalled by this man he says he's the best attorney in Michigan by far he is not worst attorney ever
Read more
20 Jul, 2016 by Anonymous
After hiring this man it was nearly impossible to get in touch with him. His assistant is rude and will offer to set you up with a phone appointment that may or may not take place.
During the time he represented me he failed to provide the Social Security Administration with a great deal of my medical information which led to a denial for benefits. After meeting with him in person and supplying him with a plethora of medical records that directly conflicted with the Administrative Law Judges decision only a fraction of that info was sent to the S.S.A. and I was denied for the third time.
After all that, after that he broke his word to me and decided not to finish the job by filing suit in Federal Court as he said he would.
If you want an attorney who is competent and will keep his word...William Watkinson Jr. is not your man!
Read more
13 Feb, 2019 by Anonymous
I had given Kevin paperwork for my case. Just before going to court I asked to see the paperwork he worked to get for my case. He pushed a big file towards me. When I picked it up he grabbed it out if my hand. After pulling out a bunch of paper that were from other cases, he had no other paperwork than what I had given him about 2 years before. The offers I received from the company I worked for were very low, Kevin wanted me to take the offer, I said no. We went to court and Kevin lost my case.
Read more
03 Feb, 2020 by Kurtis j vandermolen
I inquired of services for my disability case and had great difficulty getting return messages from his daughter, paralegal. Messages were ambiguous and my replies were systematically lost. When I called this practice “inept” and “incompetent” after they closed my case, Barry wrote me a long scolding message absolving himself of blame and threatening to call the police on me.
Barry is obtuse, petty, and pissed that he’s not a judge anymore. He really would have liked to cite me in contempt. As it is, he is actually just an attorney that you don’t want to deal with if you are seeking results.
Read more
17 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I hired this attorney 7 years ago for workers compensation from a injury that happened while I was employed I had both hips replaced also back surgery from the injury that I sustained from the job I was working Im still waiting to be compensated its going on 8 years now and I still haven't received a penny!
Read more
29 Oct, 2020 by Anonymous
She is totally incompetent!
Deemed a house and full pantry, and I quote, "Parent unable to provide food shelter etc
Read more
Browse lawyers
Cities in Michigan - Find a Lawyer Near Me
-
Detroit
-
Grand Rapids
-
Southfield
-
Troy
-
Ann Arbor
-
Lansing
-
Bloomfield Hills
-
Farmington Hills
-
Birmingham
-
Royal Oak
-
Kalamazoo
-
Traverse City
-
East Lansing
-
Livonia
-
Dearborn
-
Flint
-
Mount Clemens
-
West Bloomfield
-
Okemos
-
Saginaw
-
Novi
-
Northville
-
Plymouth
-
Bingham Farms
-
Muskegon
-
Pontiac
-
Saint Clair Shores
-
Clinton Township
-
Auburn Hills
-
Jackson
-
Warren
-
Sterling Heights
-
Brighton
-
Rochester Hills
-
Rochester
-
Holland
-
Ypsilanti
-
Midland
-
Saint Joseph
-
Howell
-
Portage
-
Bay City
-
Battle Creek
-
Grosse Pointe Farms
-
Shelby Township
-
Grand Blanc
-
Port Huron
-
Monroe
-
Marquette
-
Ada
-
Waterford
-
Clarkston
-
Grosse Pointe Woods
-
Grand Haven
-
Mount Pleasant
-
Petoskey
-
Canton
-
Oak Park
-
Grosse Pointe Park
-
Farmington
-
Grosse Pointe
-
Huntington Woods
-
Berkley
-
Taylor
-
Ferndale
-
Adrian
-
Wyandotte
-
Wyoming
-
Lapeer
-
Franklin
-
Beverly Hills
-
Gaylord
-
Dearborn Heights
-
Madison Heights
-
Milford
-
Westland
-
Allegan
-
Lake Orion
-
Macomb
-
Alpena
-
Redford
-
Commerce Township
-
Eastpointe
-
Hastings
-
Rockford
-
Saline
-
Dewitt
-
Fenton
Browse lawyers
Practice Areas in Michigan
-
Business
-
Real Estate
-
Criminal Defense
-
Family Law
-
Estate Planning
-
Litigation
-
Personal Injury
-
Government
-
Intellectual Property
-
Insurance
-
Tax
-
Probate
-
Appeals
-
Elder Law
-
Lawsuit / Dispute
-
Civil Rights
-
Consumer Protection
-
Immigration
-
Workers Compensation
-
Cannabis Law
-
Car Accident
-
Child Custody
-
Bankruptcy
-
Medical Malpractice
-
Social Security & Disability
-
Entertainment
-
Trusts
-
Child Support
-
Mediation
-
Debt Collection
-
Juvenile Law
-
Wrongful Death
-
Domestic Violence
-
Divorce
-
Federal Crime
-
Adoption
-
Foreclosure
-
Class Action
-
Employment / Labor
-
Discrimination
-
Sex Crime
-
Debt Settlement
-
Landlord & Tenant
-
DUI / DWI
-
Wrongful Termination
-
Financial Markets And Services
-
Sexual Harassment
-
Copyright Application
-
Construction
-
Drug Crime
-
Credit Repair
-
Life Insurance
-
Constitutional Law
-
Admiralty / Maritime
-
Environmental Law
-
Education Law
-
Slip And Fall
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
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.
