When you are out of work because of a workplace injury or accident, finances are probably at the top of your list of worries. Some injuries can make you unable to return to work for years, and the effects can last for a lifetime.
You may not ever be able to go back to your job. Is it worth it to get a lawyer right now? Can you even afford to?
Free consultations
Workers’ compensation attorneys offer free initial consultations to potential clients. This is typically a half-hour conversation in person or on the phone. During this meeting you would discuss the basics of your case with the attorney.
This is a great way to begin to understand the merits of your case. The information from the meeting also will give you a clearer picture of the workers’ comp process in New York.
Contingency fees
All workers’ compensation cases are taken on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay a lawyer anything up-front. The attorney is only paid if you end up receiving benefits. In New York, the workers’ comp judge for the case determines how much the attorney is paid.
Free consultations and contingency fees mean you do not have to pay anything out of pocket, at a time when your funds might be low. When you hire a workers’ comp lawyer, you could receive a larger settlement than if you go it alone. You also will have the peace of mind of knowing everything possible was done to secure benefits.