Questions to Ask a Charlotte Workers’ Comp Lawyer (2024)

Finding an experienced attorney can make filing a workers’ compensation claim much easier. You should have a dedicated legal advocate ready to provide guidance and support throughout this process, so it’s vital to know a few important questions to ask a Charlotte workers’ comp lawyer before hiring them. Taking advantage of an initial consultation offer is a great avenue to ask these questions.

Important Questions to Ask a Charlotte Workers’ Comp Lawyer in a Consultation

Once you have decided to file a workers’ compensation claim in Charlotte, it is important that you take steps to ensure you have the right legal representative handling your case. An initial consultation with a prospective attorney is essentially an interview, during which you can ask questions that will help you gauge whether the attorney is the right fit for your case. A few of the most basic questions you should ask include:

• How much experience do you have with cases like mine? Your chosen attorney should not only demonstrate extensive experience with workers’ compensation cases in general but also provide specific examples of cases similar to yours that they have successfully resolved in the past. Choose an attorney who has a proven successful record of workers’ compensation cases like yours.
• What is your initial impression of my case? Ask the attorney for an honest first impression of your situation. They should be able to identify your greatest potential challenges and opportunities when it comes to recovering benefits from your work injury. They should also be able to pick out any details that make your claim unique or that may present problems when it comes to recovering compensation for your damages.
• What timetable do you expect for my case? A good attorney should be able to provide a prospective client with an estimate of how long it will take for them to resolve their case. A straightforward work injury claim may only take a few weeks to resolve, whereas more complex cases may take several months or longer.
• Can I file a civil suit for my work injury? Workers’ compensation insurance typically protects employers from civil liability for their injured workers’ damages, but there are exceptions to this. A good attorney should be able to quickly discern whether you have grounds for a civil suit against your employer or against a third party who is directly responsible for causing your injury.
• What does your legal representation cost? You are already facing expensive medical bills and further economic strain from the inability to work while you recover, so you need to be sure of the value you’re getting when it comes to the cost of hiring your attorney. They should be transparent in their explanation of their billing policy so you know what to expect when it comes to your legal fees.

These general questions can help you get started when it comes time for a consultation with a potential attorney, and you should also prepare a few additional questions more specific to your individual case. Ultimately, the right attorney on your side can have a significant positive impact on your experience with the claim filing process and the quality of the final outcome. Take time to carefully weigh your options and choose an attorney who inspires you with confidence.

FAQs

Q: Will I Get More Benefits if I Hire a Charlotte Workers’ Comp Lawyer?

A: You are more likely to maximize your benefits if you hire a Charlotte workers’ comp lawyer. Your legal representative can help you file your case and reduce the time you will need to wait to receive the benefits you need to recover. They can also address any disputes from your employer and/or their insurance carrier and help you explore any opportunities for additional legal action that might enhance your recovery.

Q: What Benefits Does Workers’ Compensation Provide?

A: In North Carolina, workers’ compensation typically provides two types of benefits to an injured claimant. First, the insurance company will cover all of the claimant’s medical bills related to their work injury. Second, the claimant will receive disability benefits during their recovery period when they are unable to work. The exact amount they receive will depend on their usual income, the severity of their injury, and their expected recovery time.

Q: Can I Be Fired While on Workers’ Comp?

A: Yes, it is possible you could be fired while on workers’ comp in the state, but this cannot be the reason for your firing. Your employer must have a legitimate reason to terminate your employment, such as eliminating your position or closing your worksite. If your employer fired you for filing a workers’ compensation claim, it would likely form grounds for a retaliation and/or wrongful termination claim.

Q: When Should I Hire a Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

A: You should hire a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer as quickly as possible after reporting your injury to your employer and receiving initial medical care before you communicate with the insurance company. Your attorney can help you file your claim and manage correspondence with the insurance carrier, ensuring that they handle your claim in good faith. It’s vital to consult an attorney as quickly as possible after your work injury.

Q: What Will It Cost to Hire a Charlotte Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a Charlotte workers’ compensation lawyer will be a percentage of your case award if you choose Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler to represent you. Our firm accepts work injury cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only charge our client a fee after we win their case. However, if we are unable to obtain compensation for our clients, they pay nothing in attorneys’ fees.

Ultimately, asking the right questions during an initial consultation can help you confirm that an attorney is right for handling your workers’ compensation case in Charlotte. Ayers, Whitlow & Dressler has years of experience handling work injury cases for clients in Charlotte and surrounding communities, and we are ready to put this experience to work for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team.