If you have been injured at work or while you are carrying out a work-related task, you are likely to be eligible for worker's compensation. However, each state has different laws and guidelines that will impact the administration of worker's compensation, and it is not unusual for deserving individuals to be further inconvenienced by not getting the benefits they deserve in a timely manner. Unfortunately, since recent statistics have confirmed that as recently as 2011, 1.1 million people were injured at work, you are not alone in your pain. To prevent that problem or if you have already had your application for workers compensation declined, it is important to ask the following questions when you are choosing a workers compensation lawyer.  

1. What Kind Of Experience Does The Attorney Have With Your Situation?

While you probably know already that you should make sure that the lawyer has experience with workers compensation, there are further details that can also make him or her a more appropriate choice. Specifically, you should also see if the lawyer in question has experience with cases in your industry and with clients with similar levels of injury. Since your industry will often impact the type and severity of injuries, that information could be very important.

2. How Much Will This Cost?

The financial aspect is also something you will probably ask about fairly soon, but obtaining additional details will help you to make a better decision. For instance, it is not unusual for lawyers to take this type of case on a contingency basis. That  means that if the case is not won, you do not owe any legal costs, but you should make sure you are clear as to responsibility for the legal costs that accrue as part of the case.

Specific example of those costs includes filing fees that the court charges and costs of hiring any expert witnesses to speak on your behalf. If your case is not handled on a contingency basis, you will want to ask about the possibility of having fees itemized and when your retainer for their assistance will be needed.

3. What Time Limits Are Applicable To Your Case?

If you been injured at work and did not immediately report the problem, it is a good idea to remember that time is of the essence. Unfortunately, the majority of states only allow a very limited period of time to report an injury and seek appropriate medical care. California is one notable exception, and its residents may have up to five years. 

As a result, regardless of why you did not report the issue right away, doing so as soon as you can is essential. Since the time limits vary by state, your lawyer should be able to verify that you are still within an acceptable time frame.

In conclusion, being injured at work is a tough situation in the first place and needing to defend your application to get the benefits that you deserve is even tougher. Therefore, it will be very helpful to ask the above questions of any worker's compensation lawyer with whom you may be working in order to more efficiently settle your case.  If you are interested in learning more, click to read information about worker's compensation.