Finding a Lawyer for an Accident at Work

When you think about the number of hours you spend every week on the job, it’s not surprising that work-related injuries are common. Statistics from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, a division of the federal CDC, provide some insight on how workplace accidents happened in 2016:

• Approximately one-quarter of all workers who needed time off to recover from a job-related incident suffered slip, trip, and fall injuries;
• More than 230,000 employees had days away from work due to being struck by objects or equipment; and,
• Around 24 percent of all fatalities in the work environment were the result of a motor vehicle accident.

Fortunately, many of these victims have legal options through either workers’ compensation or personal injury laws.

The problem is that many don’t know where to begin with finding the right workplace accident lawyer to represent them. If you’re in such a position, a few recommendations may be helpful.

Talk to Your Inner Circle

Friends, family, and co-workers are valuable resources when looking for an attorney, especially if they’ve also been involved in an on-the-job accident. Your employer and its workers’ comp insurance company are generally NOT useful resources since their interests tend to be very different from your own.

Local Options and Resources

Besides people you know, your local bar association may be an option. These organizations often have lists of attorney referrals that you can contact for further information. Avoid reaching out based upon TV, radio, or phone book ads, which are paid-for marketing and less reliable.

Questions to Ask a Workplace Injury Lawyer

When you’ve compiled a handful of options, you can dig deeper to find the right attorney for your needs. Some key questions you should ask include:

What is your experience in workplace accidents? You want to make sure your lawyer has spent significant time with the workers’ comp claims process, dealing with insurance companies, and appearing in proceedings before related administrative agencies.

How many of your current clients are victims of workplace injuries? This question is the best way to find out whether this attorney really focuses on work-related accidents. You’re better off with a lawyer that’s dedicated a good percentage of his or her practice to these claims, instead of taking on cases in a wider range of legal matters.

Who is my primary contact at your firm? With this question, you’re looking to see whether your attorney will deliver the personalized services you expect – and deserve. While it’s not uncommon to have a paralegal or other staff answer some questions, your primary contact should always be the lawyer.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Workplace Injuries Attorney Today

To learn more about our legal services for victims of work-related accidents, please contact Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway, P.C.

We serve clients in New Mexico and Texas in a wide range of workers comp’ and personal injury matters, so we’re ready to take on the challenges of these claims. You can reach us toll-free at 800.433.2408 or visit us online to schedule a complimentary consultation.