Virginia laws require employers and businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance for both full-time and part-time employees. This is a no-fault insurance system, which pays for an injured workers’ losses after a work-related accident, or job-related illness diagnosis. In the perfect world, winning a workers’ compensation claim should be easy. However, as the injured worker, you are required to prove everything that you mention in your claim, and the whole process may feel daunting, especially when you are recovering. In this post, we are sharing more on things you must know about hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Richmond.
What can an attorney do for you?
First and foremost, you need to prove that your injuries are related to a workplace accident, and your attorney can help with that. A good workers’ compensation lawyer knows what it takes to evaluate the extent of damages, so that you can file a claim without obvious errors. If your employer refuses to report your injuries, or take action against you in retaliation, your lawyer can advise on legal action. Not to forget, your lawyer is in charge of negotiating with the insurance company, so that you can get a fair settlement. If your claim is denied, your attorney will guide and represent you at an appeal. In some cases, people do have valid third-party claims, and attorneys are important to assess the circumstances.
How much do workers’ compensation lawyers charge?
Most attorneys work on a contingency fee, and they cannot charge as high as 40% from you. In Virginia, the Commission allows 20% as the fee of the lawyer, and you can expect to get free initial consultation too. For the unversed, in a contingency arrangement, the lawyer only charges a fee if they win a financial settlement for the client. You don’t have to pay the lawyer right away.
Finding a skilled lawyer
Not all attorneys deal with workers’ compensation claims. Find a lawyer, who has worked on cases similar to yours, is willing to work on a contingency fee, and will offer a free case evaluation. Also, check if the concerned attorney has good reviews, and you can also for references in Richmond. Ideally, you should hire a workers’ compensation lawyer soon after your accident, so that you don’t miss out on information and evidence that can strengthen your claim.
A good lawyer is your best bet at getting a fair workers’ compensation settlement.
