If you’ve been injured at work, navigating the process of securing workers’ compensation can be daunting, especially when you are already dealing with physical pain and emotional stress. One of the first questions many injured workers in Los Angeles ask is whether they can afford legal representation. Let’s delve into this critical question and explore how hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Los Angeles might be more accessible than you think.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Legal Fees
Unlike many other attorneys, workers’ compensation lawyers usually work on a contingency fee basis. Their payment is contingent upon you winning your case or securing a settlement. Essentially, if you don’t win, they don’t get paid. This arrangement enables injured workers from all financial backgrounds to afford professional legal assistance without upfront costs.
How Contingency Fees Work
In Los Angeles, as in most of California, the fee structure for workers’ compensation attorneys is regulated by state law. Typically, the fee is a percentage of your benefits and must be approved by a workers’ compensation judge, ensuring fair and reasonable costs. This percentage varies but generally ranges from 10% to 15%.
Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Expert Guidance Through a Complex System: Workers’ compensation can be complex and confusing. Experienced lawyers from firms like the Koszdin, Fields & Sherry have a deep understanding of the law and can guide you effectively through the entire process, helping you maximize your compensation and reduce your stress and burden.
No Upfront Costs: Since workers’ compensation lawyers typically do not charge upfront fees and instead collect a portion of your awarded benefits, financial constraints should not deter you from seeking professional legal advice.
Potential for Greater Compensation: Statistics consistently show that claimants whom an attorney represents receive significantly higher settlements than those who go it alone. Lawyers understand the total value of your claim and are skilled in negotiating with insurance companies, which often leads to better outcomes for you.
Representation in Appeals: If your claim is denied, a workers’ compensation attorney in Los Angeles can represent you through appeals. They know what additional evidence is needed and how to argue effectively on your behalf in hearings.
The Role of Koszdin, Fields & Sherry
As a reputable law firm specializing in workers’ compensation in Los Angeles, Koszdin, Fields & Sherry brings decades of experience and a commitment to personalized service. They understand the financial and emotional toll workplace injuries can have on workers and their families and strive to make their services accessible to everyone who needs them.
Questions to Ask a Prospective Attorney
When considering hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, it is wise to have an initial consultation—which is typically free—to ask important questions, such as:
-
What experience do you have with workers’ compensation claims?
-
What is your track record of success in cases similar to mine?
-
How will you communicate with me about my case?
-
What do you think the outcome of my case might be?
Final Thoughts
If you are dealing with a work-related injury and wondering about the affordability of legal representation, rest assured that hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Los Angeles like those at the Koszdin, Fields & Sherry is designed to be financially feasible. With no upfront costs and fees contingent on the success of your claim, legal assistance is accessible to all, ensuring that you do not have to navigate the complex waters of workers’ compensation alone.