If you have suffered a work-related injury, it is important to hire a skilled and experienced workers’ compensation attorney to handle your case. In California, there may be disputes at any stage in the claims process, so even if your claim is initially accepted, you may still need an attorney. It is always better to hire an attorney sooner rather than later, even if your case is going well so that your attorney can help make sure your case continues to go in your favor—or can step in right away if a dispute arises.
The California workers’ compensation attorneys at Kneisler and Schondel can help you with your workers’ compensation case. Our attorneys have a wide range of experience handling all different types of workers’ compensation cases in California. Contact our office today to get started with a consultation to discuss your work injury and how to move forward with your workers’ compensation claim.
Tip #1 – Do Your Research
In order to find the best workers’ compensation lawyers in California, you must first do your research. Generally, it is a good idea to focus your search on attorneys who have a lot of experience in the area of workers’ compensation, and who also primarily practice in this area of law. You wouldn’t go to a dentist for heart surgery. The same standard applies here.
You can find reviews and ratings online for many attorneys and law firms. Avvo.com is just one resource you can use. By taking the time to read reviews and comments from others who have been in your shoes, you will have a better idea of what to expect from a workers’ compensation attorney, and you can narrow down your top choices based on what you learn.
Tip #2 – Look for a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Who Will Prioritize Your Access to Medical Care
The main goal of injured workers is to recover from their injury and be able to return to work. Typically, injured workers will need some form of medical treatment to help aid their recovery. Throughout the course of your treatment, you may find that your employer’s insurance company has denied a treatment plan that your treating doctor has deemed medically necessary for your recovery. When this happens, you need a lawyer on your side that understands the importance of your medical treatment and who will fight hard to get your treatment approved.
At Kneisler and Schondel, our attorneys understand the importance of prompt medical care. We have handled many cases involving the denial of medical treatment, including recommended surgeries. It is important to us to fight for our clients’ rights to receive necessary medical care to help them recover from their work-related injuries.
Tip #3 – Once You Have Narrowed Down Your List, Meet with Your Top Choices in Person
After you have done your research and narrowed down your options to one or a few different California workers’ compensation attorneys, the next step is to meet with the attorneys in person. During your consultation with the attorney, you will get a better idea of how well you connect with them. You will also be able to get direct answers to your questions regarding their practice area, experience with litigation and hearings, and how your case will be handled. This is also a good time to ask about fees (typically, they will be contingency fee-based, meaning that you only pay if you win or receive a settlement) so that you know what to expect moving forward. Take this time to get to know the attorney you are considering for your case so that you can make sure it is a good fit, personality-wise. Another good question to ask when meeting with attorneys for your workers’ compensation case is to ask how their office communicates. Will the attorney provide you with frequent status updates anytime something new happens? Or will you have the responsibility to check in with the office when you want an update (of course, if there is a significant update to your case, your attorney or someone from their office should be informing you)?
Workers’ compensation cases can become complex, so it is always a good idea to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who knows the law in California before filing your claim. Contact the attorneys at Kneisler and Schondel today at (707) 542-5132 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a meeting to get started fighting for your benefits in your workers’ compensation case.