How to Choose the Best Workers Compensation Attorney

Need a workers compensation attorney, but don’t know where to begin? Look no further.

Finding a workers comp lawyer in Idaho or Utah isn’t actually that hard, but taking the first step can be confusing. Let’s take a look at the calling cards of a bright, dedicated attorney, and how you can land the best lawyer for YOUR workers comp case.

Look for Recommendations, Reviews, and Testimonials

With many lawyers relying on word of mouth to get referrals, the best place to start your search is with family, friends, or colleagues.

Attorneys who handle cases well have no shortage of happy clients. Another great place to look is at state or local legal aid offices and bar associations.

Referrals are much more likely to produce skilled workers comp attorneys than simply calling the first name that pops up in the phone book.

Research Attorneys Online

Online sites allow users to review everything from ice cream shops to travel agents—that means lawyers, too. Sites like Avvo have extensive lawyers directories nationwide, spanning all practice areas. Using these sites is a nice way to collect extra information to supplement personal referrals.

Of course, don’t overlook your prospective attorney’s website. A professional-looking site with well-written, knowledgeable content is a sure sign that the law firm is committed to educating and reaching out to potential clients online.

On their site, look for answers to the most common workers comp questions, testimonials from past clients, and detailed information about the lawyer’s experience with workers comp cases.

Websites don’t tell the whole story, but a solid site more often than not means the firm in question is a reputable choice.

Go with Your Gut Instinct During the Consultation

The most important step in this process is the consultation. Even great websites and shining reviews can be useless if the lawyer just doesn’t feel right after meeting face-to-face.

Choosing a workers comp attorney should be treated as a job interview. During the consultation, your lawyer will ask you many questions to get a firm grasp of your case—but you must also ask the lawyer dozens of questions! Here are just a few to find out whether they’re a good choice to represent your case:

• What percent of the firm’s cases are workers comp cases? Ideally you’ll want attorneys who focus 100% on workers compensation.
• How long has the firm been practicing workers comp law?
• Can the firm provide more references? This is especially useful if you found them online. ALL firms should be able to provide references.
• Will the attorney you’re meeting with handle the case personally, or will the majority of the work be delegated to assistants and paralegals?
• If you call the lawyer’s office, will you be able to speak with your lawyer, or their assistant?
• Can the attorney clearly explain the entire workers comp legal process in a way that anyone can understand?
• Can the attorney identify the strong and weak points of your case?
• Is the lawyer a member of any professional legal associations?

These are just a handful of questions, but should be enough to get you started. The key here is feeling totally comfortable. Great lawyers should be able to answer all of your questions honestly, and without slippery sales talk.

Decision Time: Can the Attorney Get the Job Done?

Walking away from the consultation, do you feel confident? Assured that the lawyer in question can get the job done? Meet with several lawyers to avoid making a snap decision.

Patience, authority, friendliness, responsiveness—these are a few of the qualities you should look for in a lawyer (and the rest of their office staff).

The workers comp process can take a while. It’s crucial to find a partner who can get you to the finish line. Find a team that treats you with respect, and give your case the best chance at success.