Q: Advice that Many Attorneys May NOT Tell You: You May Not Have to Hire and Pay a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Right Away.

A: If you’ve been injured on the job and the employer has notice of the injury, the insurance company has 21 days to investigate the claim before the Workers’ Compensation Act requires them to accept or deny liability. While I am always willing to talk to clients about their cases before the 21 day period has expired, there is no sense in agreeing to pay a lawyer 20 percent of your weekly compensation check if the insurance company is going to voluntarily accept your claim.

Likewise, if you have been paid compensation and are returning to work at your old job and at the same wages, you may not need to pay a lawyer. Even if you return to work at a modified job and the insurance cmpany will voluntarily pay your partial disability benefits, there may be no need to pay an attorney. Sure you’ll have questions, and most good attorneys will either provide you the important information you need, or you can find it here on this website or by ordering my books and newsletters or contacting me by email on this site. You are also welcome to contact me by phone or make an initial free appointment to answer your questions.