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Has Your Employee Been Hurt on the Job? How to Prepare

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If someone who works for you has been hurt on the job, especially if they have sustained serious injuries, they will likely seek the help of an attorney. With a good personal injury attorney, they can get the compensation they deserve.

While of course you want the best for your employee, you need to be ready to defend your business as well. This article highlights some of the key questions you can ask your attorney to make sure you are in the best possible position for a fair and equitable outcome.

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How Long Have You Been an Attorney and Do You Specialize in Defending Businesses Like Mine?

With this question, you are looking for the right kind of experience. You need a lawyer who has experience in handling personal injury cases, especially when defending businesses in cases involving someone who has been hurt on the job. Ask them where they went to school, the specific number of years they have been practicing law, and the number of years they have been handling cases such as yours. 

Where Are You Based?

General rules may be the same throughout the country, but in each state, there are specific laws and guidelines governing how each case should be handled. Therefore, hire someone who understands the laws in your state about people who have been hurt on the job. For example, if you’re in Atlanta, Georgia, try finding someone who practices in that market.

Have You Been Disciplined by Any Legal Body?

Anyone who is unhappy with a lawyer’s conduct can file a complaint with their state bar. Continuing with the above example, you would look at the Georgia State Bar’s site. Ask the attorney about how they have handled previous cases involving businesses like yours when someone has been hurt on the job. Then also do your own research on the state bar’s website.

What Is Your Success Rate for Cases Like Mine?

Number of years of experience doesn’t necessarily translate to a high success rate. This is especially true in cases involving someone who has been hurt on the job. Therefore, don’t forget to ask about similar cases they have handled in the past.

It’s likely that the personal injury lawyer your employee has chosen is equally qualified.

You can also ask about the biggest settlement they have heard of clients receiving in cases like yours. This doesn’t mean you will get the such an outcome in your case, but such a conversation with your attorney can be a good way of gaining an understanding of how good he or she is at negotiating on behalf of their clients.

How Much Can My Employee Sue Me For?

Compensation for injured workers extends to much more than the payment of medical expenses. There could be more when a person has been hurt on the job. For example, the court could award temporary and permanent disability benefits and job displacement benefits.

A good lawyer will carefully evaluate your case to come up with an estimate for a settlement amount that would be ideal for both parties.

Who Will Handle My Case?

In some cases, the lawyer you interview may not be the one who will handle your case. This is why you should ask this question. Sometimes, a lawyer will pass the case to someone else within their law firm or even to another law firm.

How Much Will You Charge?

Mostly, personal injury attorneys charge a contingency fee. This means they get a certain percentage from the compensation amount of the person who was hurt on the job. Ask about the fee structure your attorney uses.

If you feel their fees are too high, you can always negotiate or get a quote from another attorney. Also, don’t forget to ask if there are any upfront fees.

When an Employee Gets Hurt on the Job Ask Your Attorney the Right Questions

Asking the right questions is one of the steps you should take when someone at your company gets hurt on the job. The right questions will help you to find the right attorney for you. In addition, do your own research. Browse the Internet for reviews to make sure you are hiring the right person.