If you have sustained injuries because of an on-job accident, you may have the right to claim benefits under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act. The same benefits may be available to workers, who have been diagnosed with an occupational disease or job-related illness. To claim the benefits, you must first inform your employer of the accident at the earliest, or within 30 days. You must also file your claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission and complete due paperwork.
The workers’ compensation system is supposed to be easy to navigate, but injured workers often end up with denied claims. Hiring a Virginia Beach workers’ compensation lawyer can be beneficial for your claim. In this post, we are sharing some of the questions that you must ask on your first meeting with a lawyer.
- Will you handle my case personally? Many law firms in Virginia have multiple lawyers working on workers’ compensation claims. The lawyer you meet should be the one working on your case, but that may not happen. When you talk to a lawyer, ask them if they will be representing you personally.
- What is your success rate? Find a lawyer who has a success rate of at least 90% with workers’ compensation claims. You need to be sure that they can deal with every aspect of the case and negotiate aggressively when needed. If your claim is denied, your lawyer should consider appeals, and as needed, they must be open to taking things to a hearing.
- How much would you charge? That’s a valid question, given that you are likely to be an unexpected financial mess. Many workers’ compensation lawyers in Virginia work on a contingency fee. If your claim is denied, they don’t get anything, but if you win, they will charge a fixed percentage of your weekly benefits. Be clear and transparent about the costs of using their services.
Also, do ask the lawyer if they can share a few references. The workers’ compensation system is complex, and it is important to consider all aspects before a claim is filed. Your lawyer should be available to take things forward, and if the insurance company tries tactics to reduce their financial liability, your lawyer can negotiate accordingly and ensure that you don’t settle for less.
Don’t shy away from asking questions related to the benefits you are entitled to. A skilled workers’ compensation lawyer is always accessible to clients, and they will ensure that updates are sent regularly.
