In Washington, workers’ comp is handled mostly by the Department of Labor & Industries (L&I), but some employers are self-insured. A lawyer can find out which of these your employer is affiliated with and guide you on how to get compensation for your injury. You will need the assistance of workers’ compensation lawyers if you want your claim to be accepted. But what questions should you ask a workers’ comp lawyer?
We’ll provide you 8 good questions to ask your workers’ compensation attorney when you meet them, as well as information on what is workers’ comp and how to get it.
Read below to find out what questions to ask your workers’ comp lawyer and how workers’ comp works!
What To Ask For In Your Settlement
When you’re trying to get a settlement for your workplace injuries, it’s important you get the coverage you need for treatment.
There are 3 types of settlements you can get with the L& I department:
- 1. Lifetime pension: amount paid monthly by the L&I for the rest of your life if you are unable to work due to your injury
- 2. Structured settlement: a lump sum paid by the L&I to cover medical expenses and wage losses during treatment of your injury
- 3. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): one-time payment by the L&I for a permanent disability you got from work, but which still allows you to perform your labor duties
Each one has its own rules and payment varies greatly according to the level of your injury.
Whenever you try to get a settlement with L&I, your injury is “rated” and compensation can vary by as much as six figures depending on the rating you receive.
However, there are many details you need to pay attention to in a settlement, and doing so alone is unwise. An experienced workers’ comp attorney will make sure you get the compensation you deserve according to the law.
Why You Should Consult An Attorney
A lawyer is supposed to help you get the compensation you deserve. They’re a professional who’s studied the ins and outs of the law to help you navigate through your claims process.
That’s why you should ask all the questions you have, without hesitation. Don’t be ashamed of asking “stupid questions”—any queries are valid and should be addressed professionally by your attorney.
8 Questions To Ask Your Workers’ Comp Lawyer
- 1. What evidence should I collect to sustain my claim?
- 2. What doctor should I get my diagnosis from?
- 3. My employer offered me a different position in the company. Should I accept?
- 4. What benefits am I entitled to?
- 5. What are the common mistakes I should look out for?
- 6. My boss is asking me to get back to work. When should I return to the workplace?
- 7. Am I entitled to a third-party claim?
- 8. How do I know if my employer is self-insured?
With these questions, you’ll cover all the bases for your workers’ comp claim. And feel free to ask more if in doubt!
What Questions Are Asked At A Workers’ Comp Hearing?
At a hearing, you’ll be questioned about the details of your claim. It’s common for people to be nervous at a hearing and feel like they are guilty of something, but don’t fret.
All you need to do is stick to your guns and answer promptly the questions. And with a lawyer by your side, you’ll be guided beforehand to prepare for the hearing, as well as have assistance if needed during the session.
Here are some questions you’ll probably hear:
- How did you get injured?
- How did you seek treatment?
- Do you have evidence?
- What did the doctor say?
These are common questions that will be addressed. As a whole, the goal of the hearing is to collect details on the incident to check if the claim is consistent with your answers and the evidence.
Even if you are in the right, an unguided answer can be costly. That’s why it’s important to prepare with a lawyer for a hearing to go well.
Our team has experience with hearings and will help you be ready for any specific questions that may be asked about your injury.
Should I Hire An L&I Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Absolutely. Most people only look for a workers’ comp attorney when things go sour. If you hire one before making your claim, you have better chances of it being accepted and getting better compensation.
The L&I office can miscategorize your claim and downplay it as less serious than it actually is. And this is especially true with employers that are self-insured: their companies aim to dismiss your claim at all costs. A workers’ comp lawyer is the best way to guarantee your claim will be accepted without any setbacks.
Contact our legal team today for a free case review to learn how the workers’ comp lawyers at Emery | Reddy can help you.
