If I Was Hurt on the Job in DC Should I Get a Lawyer?
Is It Worth Getting a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in DC?
An experienced DC workers’ compensation attorney will ensure the insurance company doesn’t take advantage of you after a serious injury.
Let’s face it, if you have a serious injury at work in the DC area, you’re now in an unfamiliar, confusing workers’ comp system—one that favors insurance companies. And you can’t rely on the workers’ comp insurance company to protect you—that’s not their job.
If you’ve worked hard for everything you’ve gotten your whole life, and you’re now worried about losing everything after a serious injury because you can’t work, call us at (202) 393-3320.
The insurance company will never tell you about the benefits you are really entitled to. They will take advantage of people who do not have a DC workers’ comp lawyer (or who hired a lawyer who does not specialize in DC workers’ comp).
As nationally recognized attorneys, authors, and advocates for people with serious injuries and disabilities, we understand what you and your family are going through—and what you’re up against.
How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Attorney Cost?
All attorneys’ fees and costs in DC workers’ comp have to be approved by the Office of Workers’ Comp or an Administrative Law Judge. Attorneys’ fees are limited to 20% of the benefits the lawyer gets for you in a lump sum, after a hearing, or in a settlement. So if a new lawyer charges 20% and one who has 27 years of experience, wrote a book on workers’ comp law, and is a nationally Board Certified Trial Lawyer, charges the same amount, why would you go with the new, inexperienced lawyer?
Insurance company studies have shown that injured workers without a lawyer receive lower settlements and benefit amounts. (I know because I used to be an insurance lawyer, so I know how the other side works.)
The best DC attorney for you and your family will guide you through the entire legal process and be with you every step of the way—to help you get the financial and medical benefits you need to be secure, in control, and independent after a serious injury. At least that’s the way we do it.
Plus, the attorney’s fees are contingent—so the lawyer has to win, settle, or resolve your case successfully.
Are There Cases Where You Don’t Need a Lawyer?
Absolutely.
If you have a minor injury and are back to work without any problems or only saw a doctor once or twice, you can probably handle that case yourself. We actually give away a package of resources to help you do just that—including all the forms you need to file to start your workers’ comp case.
But if you are a high-wage earner, have more than one job, need surgery or ongoing medical care and can’t work, or have a permanent injury, you should at least talk to a lawyer about your case. We have a list of interview questions you can ask any DC workers’ comp lawyer you’re considering—because unless you’ve been through the workers’ comp process in DC, how do you know what to ask?
An experienced DC workers’ comp attorney will file your claim for workers’ comp benefits, not sue your employer.
When you get hurt at work in DC, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under DC law. Workers’ comp benefits include payment for your lost income while you can’t work and payment of all of your medical expenses.
You can’t sue your employer for an injury that happened while you were working—that’s the law in DC. So be very careful if any attorney tells you otherwise—it just isn’t true. And there are a lot of attorneys out there who claim to be specialists or experts in DC workers’ comp cases, so don’t get fooled, especially if you have a severe injury.
We even have a guide of questions to ask any attorney you are thinking about hiring for your DC workers’ comp case and a checklist of what to look for to make sure you get the best lawyer for your DC workers’ comp case.
Our Experienced Lawyers Deal with the Workers’ Comp Insurance Company, Not Your Job
All private employers in DC are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and the insurance company—not your employer—calls the shots. Our attorneys and staff intentionally handle everything through the workers’ comp insurance company to ensure you maintain a good relationship with your employer. Let’s face it, most companies freak out when they get a letter or phone call from a law firm. While you should keep your job updated about whether you can return to work after the injury, the details of your medical treatment and workers’ comp claim are none of their business.
You need someone to guide you through the complicated workers’ comp system in DC, and we can help with that.
After a Work Injury in DC, You Don’t Sue Your Employer; You File a Workers’ Comp Claim
Our experienced workers’ comp attorneys make it easy on you after you get hurt at work. We file all the claim forms and paperwork you need to get workers’ comp benefits in DC. We talk to the insurance company, dealing with their adjusters, nurses, case managers, claims representatives, and law firms so you don’t have to. All you have to do is focus on your recovery and rehab and getting better.
If Another Company or Person Causes Your Injury in DC, You Can Sue Them
If your on-the-job injury was caused by another person or company, you also have a case against that person or company—and we can help you with that as well. It’s important that your lawyer understands how to use both cases to make sure you are fully compensated.
We see this a lot on construction sites when a construction worker is hurt because another subcontractor or general contractor didn’t follow the safety rules, but it can happen to any worker in any type of job. For example, slipping and falling on a wet floor because a cleaning crew didn’t put out the warning signs, getting into a car accident traveling from one job location to another, or a pedestrian accident going to pick up office supplies.
The key is getting the right attorney and the best information—that’s what we do.
Call the Best DC Workers’ Comp Attorneys for Your Case Today
Call us today at (202) 393-3320 or schedule a free and confidential appointment by clicking here. We will listen to what happened and give you a plan to maximize your workers’ comp case, making it less stressful for you and your family.