Understanding the Costs of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Blog: Are you concerned about the affordability of a workers’ compensation attorney? It is a valid worry for many individuals who have suffered injuries at work. However, the fees charged by workers’ compensation attorneys operate on a contingency basis, similar to other types of lawyers. This means that they will only charge you if they win your case, and their fee will be a percentage of your settlement. Additionally, many states have regulations in place that limit the amount attorneys can charge. Before hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, it is crucial to discuss the percentage they will take from your settlement upon winning.
Most states have specific rules and regulations regarding attorney fees for workers’ compensation cases. Typically, a judge will need to approve the fee before an attorney can receive a portion of your settlement. Factors considered by the judge include the complexity of the case, the amount of work and time invested by your attorney, the settlement amount, and the final outcome of your claim. Many states impose a cap on the maximum percentage an attorney can take, ranging from 10 to 20 percent. However, there are states with higher limits, while some have no cap at all. Cases settled outside of court usually result in lower attorney fees compared to those requiring a court hearing, as more work is involved in the latter, resulting in a potentially higher settlement.
According to a report, individuals who hired workers’ compensation lawyers received about 15 percent of their settlement or awards deducted as attorney fees. The same report revealed that claimants who worked with attorneys received approximately 30 percent more compensation compared to those who did not seek legal representation. While hiring an attorney may result in a portion of your settlement being used to cover fees, it is likely to yield a higher overall compensation.
Some states prohibit attorneys from charging fees for basic benefits such as medical bills or disputed lost wages. Furthermore, certain situations may allow attorneys to request that the opposing party covers their fees. These situations include instances of severe misconduct by the employer or insurance agency, refusal to pay granted benefits, or causing delays in the case. Additionally, some states do not impose percentage caps on certain fees that are considered penalties or sanctions. These fees are not deducted from your settlement amount.
In addition to attorney fees, there may be other out-of-pocket expenses associated with filing a workers’ compensation claim. These expenses include filing fees, costs related to obtaining copies of medical records, postage and copying fees, attorney travel expenses, deposition costs, payments to doctors for independent medical exams, and other medical bills not covered by the attorney.
It is important to note that these costs are separate from the attorney’s fees and may need to be reimbursed after winning the case. Some attorneys might charge for these expenses even if your case is unsuccessful. Therefore, it is crucial to clarify payment responsibilities and agreements related to travel expenses with your attorney before signing any agreements.
It is worth considering hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, as the process can be complex. Insurance companies often try to minimize their costs and benefits by taking advantage of individuals representing themselves. By hiring legal representation, you increase your chances of receiving fair compensation, especially if your case goes to court.
If you are contemplating hiring a workers’ compensation attorney or have had your claim denied, seek a free consultation with a lawyer. Consulting with an attorney should be your first step after sustaining an injury. They can provide valuable advice and guide you through the next steps. Hiring an attorney makes it significantly easier to pursue the compensation you deserve. Many people find that the benefits of hiring an attorney outweigh the associated fees, as the attorney takes care of most aspects of the case while you focus on your recovery. Ultimately, hiring an attorney often results in a higher overall compensation compared to handling the case independently.