Signs of a Bad Attorney for Your Workers’ Comp Case

• May 16, 2022
• Blog
• Michael Burgis & Associates, P.C

After filing your workers’ compensation claim, it’s common to feel like the insurance carrier is giving you the runaround. If that’s the case, you need a workers’ comp attorney on your side. With help from a skilled attorney, you can hold the insurance company accountable, ensuring you get all the benefits you need and deserve. However, hiring a great workers’ compensation attorney is easier said than done, especially if you don’t pay close attention to the following red flags.

Poor Communication

Poor communication is a major red flag when looking for an attorney to represent you in your workers’ compensation case. Even with a full caseload, a reputable attorney will make time to sit down with you face-to-face and personally go over your case. On top of that, they should schedule additional meetings to discuss your case progress and next steps.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of mills out there that don’t even let you meet with your attorney. Instead, you’ll consult with a junior team member and then hear nothing for long periods as your case drags out. You deserve better than that. So, make sure to look for a lawyer you can meet with directly from the start and communicate with easily throughout your case.

Lack of Trial Experience

Although it’s possible to settle your workers’ compensation case, there’s a chance it’ll need to go to trial to get you the best possible outcome. For that reason, it’s essential to ask your attorney about their trial experience.

They should be able to answer:

• When’s the last time you went to trial for your clients?
• When did you last get a verdict?
• Are you prepared to take my case to trial?

Your attorney must be willing to go to trial and work up a case to get a verdict worth the maximum value. Otherwise, the insurance company will take advantage of your lack of a trial attorney, resulting in them lowballing you.

Unwillingness to File Penalty Petitions

Great workers’ comp attorneys know when, how, and why to file penalty petitions against insurance carriers. To confirm that your lawyer will do that on your behalf, ask about their experience with penalty petitions.

If they’re not well-versed in that matter, they won’t file for penalties if the insurance company messes up handling your claim. You may then miss the chance to get a buyout that allows you to collect a lump sum payment covering all your losses in full.

Need Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Case in California?

If you’d like to handle your workers’ compensation case in California the right way, reach out to our team at Michael Burgis & Associates. We understand just what it takes to secure the right level of benefits and protect your rights. Our skilled legal team works hard to provide recovery for the injured, allowing you to focus on healing from your on-the-job injuries. So, if you’re ready to get started effectively managing your case, call us at 888-287-4471 to schedule your free consultation.