Clues To A Quality Workers’ Comp Attorney in Orange County

Not all lawyers are made equal. Some actually routinely go to court, and others spend their time promoting their catchy nicknames on billboards, radio and TV. Some even have songs that tell you absolutely nothing about their skill as an attorney.

When people suffer a work injury, it’s serious business. You deserve information about the lawyer that tells you what makes them qualified to help you navigate the California workers’ compensation system.  

What qualities does a truly exceptional workers’ comp attorney have in Orange County?

• Communication With A Lawyer – Not A Paralegal

Clients have a right to know where their case stands at every point of the legal process. Having access to the attorney that is representing you shows they are personally involved in your case.

Some law firms have dozens of non-lawyers processing your claim. Why hire a law firm if you hardly ever get to talk to a lawyer? Does the lawyer even now about what is going on in your case? Or is he or she just relying on their staff to deal with the issues of your case?

Cases, like people, are dynamic – things can change rapidly. Is the lawyer available for unexpected developments? Is the lawyer ready to get a court date to deal with the problem, or are you going to just get talk from the non-lawyers at the firm? These are questions to ask BEFORE you hire a workers’ compensation attorney.

• Reliability

A workers’ comp lawyer should do what he or she says they are going to do. Ask the attorneys you are considering to help you what the game plan is on your case, and how they plan to give you feedback on your case.

If, for example, benefit checks suddenly stop coming without explanation, clients should be able to contact their lawyer immediately. There could’ve been a technical mistake or the insurance company could’ve decided benefits are no longer necessary, despite doctor’s orders. Can you rely on your lawyer to have a game plan? Or are you going to get the run around by the firms non-lawyers? Ask how such things will be handled BEFORE you decide on a lawyer to hire.

• Attentiveness

When interviewing lawyers to hire, are you sensing that the lawyer is paying attention to the unique aspects of your case, or are they just running through their “script”?  If you aren’t straight answers to your questions, that may be a sign that you will be treated the same way as a client

An attentive lawyer will HEAR what you are saying, and do his or her best to answer your questions. know the details of every settlement offer — even if it’s unacceptably low — and share that information with their client before rejecting the offer.

• Strong Negotiation Skills

Insurance companies know who the prepared attorneys are. Making certain that your case is fully documented is hard work, and it puts your lawyer in a strong position to negotiate the result you deserve. If the insurance company is dealing with an attorney that is routinely unprepared or relying on non-attorneys to handle your case, your case is not going to be taken as seriously. Ask the lawyer you are interviewing how they process cases and what their reputation is for being prepared BEFORE hiring them.

• Preparation

The successful outcome of a case depends on the lawyer’s commitment to preparing the case for trial. Ask the lawyer if he or she is PERSONALLY preparing the case for the Judge, and PERSONALLY appears before the Judge BEFORE you hire them. If all the lawyer is relying on non-lawyers to do the critical work and appearances on the case, you deserve to know that ahead of time

• Knowledge About The Workers Compensation System

Does the lawyer you are interviewing doing a lot of different types of law, or ONLY workers compensation? Are they recognized by a past client and other lawyers as a skilled and ethical lawyer? An experienced workers’ comp attorney in Orange County is known and respected for their knowledge and skills.

Making The Decision

Look for these qualities in a workers’ comp lawyer before retaining a workers’ compensation attorney. It can make a big difference in the outcome of your case and your life.