Questions to Ask Your Workers Compensation Lawyer

The workers’ compensation process in Oregon can be an extremely confusing and stressful process. Many people have understandable concerns about their rights throughout the workers’ compensation claims process.

If you need help filing an initial claim, appealing a denied claim, negotiating a lump-sum settlement, then you should seek legal representation. Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C., can assist you in determining the best steps to take so you can receive as much compensation as possible.

Call us or contact us online to set up a free consultation with an experienced Portland worker’s compensation lawyer today.

Questions to Ask My Workers’ Comp Lawyer

When you are looking for a workers’ compensation attorney, you should ask them about their background and their specific experience with workers’ compensation claims.

You should then ask about what advice or strategy they would use in handling your case, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the case as it pertains to your specific situation.

You should also ask how your case would be managed, and whether the lawyer you are speaking with is going to be the same one who represents you in hearings or settlement negotiations.

Finally, you need to discuss how legal fees will be calculated, as most attorneys handle workers’ compensation cases on contingency fee agreements, but they may have different percentages or legal expenses involved.

When to Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer

You should not hesitate to contact an attorney as soon as possible after an injury on the job. Even if you don’t believe that your injury is severe enough to result in a long-term absence from work, you should still take precautionary steps.

You should also try to contact a lawyer before submitting your initial application, as an experienced attorney can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes that result in application denials or underpayment of benefits.

What Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Do?

Injured people are often devastated to learn that their worker’s comp claim has been denied due to insufficient medical evidence. An attorney could help develop this evidence to get your claim approved, or help you get all of the treatment and benefits you need if your claim is approved.

To establish medical evidence, your lawyer may:

• Collect your medical records
• Schedule treatment with specific physicians or specialists
• Have an independent medical examination performed
• Represent you at depositions
• Obtain depositions from medical experts

An experienced worker’s compensation attorney might also seek testimony from vocational experts to demonstrate the impact the injury has had on your ability to do your job. They may get statements from your family and friends to discuss the effect your injuries have had on your personal life and daily activities. Your attorney might also look for evidence of failures on the part of your employer to provide adequate training or poor workplace safety.

Your lawyer can also use their knowledge of your situation to negotiate a structured settlement with your employer’s insurance company, taking into account the severity of your injuries, the limitations they’ve placed on your life, the medical expenses you might incur in the future, and any permanent disability that might factor in.

Because insurance companies are notorious for trying to pay as little as possible – even for valid workers’ comp claims – an experienced lawyer will know how to negotiate effectively on your behalf.

How Can a Worker’s Compensation Lawyer in Portland Help?

Do you need assistance with a workers’ compensation claim in Oregon? Do not wait to contact Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C.

Our firm is ready to fight to help you seek all of the compensation you are entitled to so you can focus on your recovery. We will help you understand all of your legal options as soon as you call us or contact us online for a free consultation.