Note: Brian’s story is a fictional scenario presented to help illustrate how a lawyer may have to step in to give legal advice.
Here at The Law Offices of Craig L. Cook, we pride ourselves on open communication. Our clients have been through enough; they shouldn’t have to deal with non-disclosures on the behalf of the people who are supposed to protect them.
Your lawyer should be telling you everything you need to know about issues concerning workers’ compensation.
With that being said, we will go over what workers’ comp lawyers might conveniently leave out. Informed consent is big for us, and we want to give you the information you need to make the decision that is right for you.
You can file independently.
Although legal representation can be beneficial, especially in complex cases, you can navigate the workers’ compensation system without a lawyer. However, proceeding without legal representation is generally not recommended.
Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney on your side can help you avoid common pitfalls, strengthen your case, and advocate for the maximum benefits you’re entitled to under the law.
While it’s possible to manage the process independently, many find the expertise of a lawyer invaluable, especially in contested or complex cases.”
Legal battles can be lengthy and difficult.
Legal disputes often require patience and resilience. While it’s natural to want quick resolutions, the process of fighting for justice takes time and effort.
Cases can involve extensive paperwork, negotiations, and even court appearances, which may feel overwhelming.
We believe in setting realistic expectations from the outset. Our goal is to guide you through each step of the process, keeping you informed and prepared while working diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible.
While the road may be challenging, having the right legal support can make all the difference.
Some attorneys may pressure you to settle quickly.
In the rush to close cases, some lawyers might encourage you to accept a settlement that falls short of covering your full medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages.
Insurance companies often offer low initial settlements, hoping claimants will accept without fully understanding the long-term impact of their injuries.
At our firm, we prioritize your best interests. We take the time to evaluate your case thoroughly and fight for a settlement that truly reflects the compensation you deserve. A rushed settlement might leave you struggling financially in the future, and we’re here to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Lawyers might select cases based on their chances of success.
Many lawyers work only on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win your case. This structure can sometimes lead attorneys to focus on cases that promise larger settlements or are easier to win, leaving others feeling overlooked.
Our approach is different. We assess each case based on its unique merits and the justice it seeks to achieve, not just its monetary value. We believe everyone deserves skilled representation, regardless of the size or complexity of their claim. Our commitment is to fight for fair outcomes for every client we represent.
Some firms may assign a paralegal to your case instead of an attorney.
Paralegals, under an attorney’s supervision, can handle important tasks like gathering records, interviewing witnesses, and communicating with insurance companies. While they play a vital role, paralegals cannot provide legal advice or represent you in court.
At our firm, an experienced attorney oversees every case to ensure you receive the strategic guidance and representation you deserve. While paralegals assist in case management, we believe your case requires direct attention from the lawyer you hired.
Brian’s story
Brian is an adjunct professor at the University of the Ozarks. As part of his job duties, he was walking across campus one day from one class to another. It was fall, and there was unexpected, inclement weather.
He slipped on a patch of ice and broke his hip. Brian’s school did not cancel classes that day, and the injury occurred while he was performing a task in line with his job description.
Brian’s employer denied paying him benefits, so he called on the help of a law firm. They assigned a paralegal to his case. Brian had questions the paralegal could not answer, so the attorney supervising the paralegal gave him advice.
Together, they embarked on the journey of filing a workers’ compensation claim so Brian could get the compensation he deserves. His injury cost him a lot of money in medical bills and lost wages, both of which his attorney representing him fought for.
The employer and the employer’s insurance company ended up having to give Brian a settlement for his work-related injury. Brian received the benefits he was entitled to all along.
How to ensure you are told what you need to know
Ask us whatever questions you need to! Here are some ways you can fact-find to ensure that nothing happens without your knowledge. Ask us:
- How we can help you.
- Who is handling your case.
- What we think you should settle for.
- About our experience handling similar cases.
- What the potential timeline is for your specific case.
- How we view the chances of success for your claim.
What a lawyer can tell you
A lawyer can tell you all of the things you need to know as an injured worker, the loved one of an injured worker, or the spouse of an employee who died a wrongful death.
These issues are incredibly sensitive, and we will approach them with great care.
A lawyer can tell you the following:
- What your rights are
- What evidence is needed
- What a fair settlement would be
- What forms need to be filled out and by when
- How to still pursue a case with a pre-existing condition
- When the statute of limitations is for filing a workers’ comp claim
- Whether or not you’re eligible for Social Security disability benefits
- What your employers are supposed to pay for and in what amount
- What penalties you should not put up with that your employer imposed on you
How else can a lawyer help?
Having a lawyer on your side can significantly help when pursuing a workers’ compensation claim. We can help you:
- Understand your rights
- Navigate complex cases
- Maximize your compensation
- Appeal a claim if it gets denied
- Meet deadlines and avoid mistakes
Some workers’ comp cases are straightforward. However, claims that involve interrupted benefits for severe injury, disability, or wrongful death should be handled by an experienced attorney.
Sometimes the insurance company or employer will become difficult to communicate with, deny you what you rightfully deserve, or try to minimize payouts.
Workers’ compensation laws vary by state, so we can help you understand what you are entitled to based on whether you reside in Oklahoma or Arkansas.
We are here to inform you, reduce your risk of denial, and fight back if you are not getting the benefits you deserve.
Conclusion
Book a free consultation with us to ask us your questions, make sure you know what you need to know, and allow us to help you with your workers’ compensation claim. We are here to serve you!
