When you are looking for a Jackson workers comp lawyer to help you win benefits, you are tempted to choose a professional who will make you lots of promises. The fact is that an experienced lawyer will always be cautious and never give any firm guarantees of success.
Very few cases are straightforward and simple. Thus, you should be wary about hiring an attorney who will tell you one of these things:
1. I Will Get You Millions for This Injury
Workers compensation is not about getting rich, but winning fair compensation for your medical care costs and wages you cannot make while recovering from your injuries. You cannot even claim pain and suffering damages.
A reputable lawyer will give you a clear explanation of the types of benefits you may collect and for how long. In Mississippi, workers comp benefits are payable for a maximum period of 450 weeks. If you are still not fully healed after this period, you will have to apply for disability benefits.
2. You Have to Sign a Retainer Agreement
A reputable law firm will offer new clients a free case review with no strings attached. You are not obliged to sign a retainer agreement right then and there. You have the right to get a second legal opinion and then decide how to pursue your workers comp claim.
As long as the free case review is clearly stated on the attorney’s website, you have the right to refuse to sign an agreement. This is a major red flag and you should avoid hiring that lawyer.
3. From Now On, You Will Deal with My Paralegal
Paralegals are essential for the success of a law firm. They look for information, send reminders, draft documents from notes, and perform other similar administrative tasks. However, when it comes to evaluating evidence and negotiating with an insurance firm, a Jackson workers comp lawyer must be in charge.
Do not accept to have your claim relegated to a paralegal. You are paying to be represented by a lawyer – and this is exactly who should be handling your case.
4. I Will Get You a Quick Settlement
Dedicated attorneys do not take the first offer. After all, you could have done the same thing without hiring a legal professional. The whole point of having a lawyer is getting the fair benefits you deserve after negotiations and presenting evidence.
If you are promised a quick settlement, be aware that the lawyer is only looking for quick pay with minimum effort and no consideration for your welfare.
5. If the Claim Fails, You Can Sue Your Employer Instead
This is a lie, plainly and simply. The workers compensation system is the only legal option for injured workers to get compensation after a workplace accident. This system exists precisely in order to protect employers from lawsuits.
There may be situations when you may sue a third party (for instance the producer of a defective device that caused your injury), but not your employer. An astute lawyer should tell you that and assure you that they will help you file an appeal if your claim is denied.
6. You Will Have to Pay the Retainer Fee Upfront
Workers comp attorneys usually work on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyer gets paid after they win your case, taking a percentage out of the total settlement amount.
The contingency system exists so that injured workers can afford legal representation since they already have medical bills to pay and no wages coming in. Thus, a lawyer who asks for money upfront is not someone you should trust.
Hire a Reliable Jackson Mississippi Workers Comp Lawyer!
An experienced Jackson workers comp lawyer will not make false promises and mislead you. Instead, we will analyze your case carefully and we will give you an honest and reliable legal opinion.
If you have a valid claim, we will represent you on a contingency fee basis. Also, your first consultation with us is free. Call us today at 601-519-4181 to schedule your free case review!
