How to Choose the Best North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorney for You

Getting hurt on the job is bad enough. You’ve already got to deal with the pain and the discomfort of the injury, likely missing work, and generally having your life disrupted. Now, if you want pay for lost wages and other workers’ comp benefits, you also have to deal with the North Carolina workers’ compensation system (and your employer and their workers’ compensation insurer).

Most insurance companies make more by paying out less. But an attorney on your side can significantly increase your odds of success. So how do you choose the right one for you?

For answers and help with your case immediately, reach us online or call 1-866-900-7078 for a free case evaluation.

6 Keys to Selecting the Best North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for You

Here are some things to consider and do while making the important decision of which firm can best represent your interests in your workers’ compensation case:

1: Choosing Your Workers’ Compensation Attorney: Some Basics

Here are some factors you may want to consider when choosing the right workers’ compensation attorney and firm for you:

• How much experience do they have in North Carolina workers’ compensation law? Do they have a track record of success?
  • Does the firm have any North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation law?
  • Does the firm have any attorneys or paralegals who previously worked at the North Carolina Industrial Commission (NCIC), the agency that oversees workers’ comp in NC?
• What benefits and resources does the firm offer?
• How often and well do they communicate with clients?
• How is the attorney or firm compensated? Will you have to pay anything upfront or any hourly fees?

As you continue to learn and research, you may find new things to consider or find that some criteria aren’t as important to you anymore.

2: Research North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Online

This may be the step you’re on right now. Two things to remember as you search:

Know What You’re Searching For

Searching “best lawyers for accidents at work in North Carolina” and “top workers’ compensation law firm in North Carolina” may yield two very different sets of results. Try different combinations of words to produce more choices. The more terms you add, the more specific your search is. But if you make your search too narrow, you may not have as many choices or not find anyone to fulfill your criteria.

Check Online Reviews

Online reviews are an excellent way to get an idea about a firm or attorney. You can search for reviews on sites like Google, Facebook, and the Better Business Bureau. Do keep in mind that anyone can leave an online review – even if the firm never represented them.

3: Ask Trusted Friends and Family for a Referral

Referrals are a great way to find candidates to handle your North Carolina workers’ compensation case. Here are some things to consider when asking loved ones for advice:

• What kind of case did they have, and if it was not workers’ compensation, does that attorney or firm handle workers’ compensation cases?
• Was the attorney or firm responsive and communicative?
• Did your loved one feel like they were in control of their case?
• How long did it take to resolve their case, and were they pleased with the amount of time it required?
• Did they have a hearing before the North Carolina Industrial Commission and if so, did they feel that their attorney was well prepared?
• Were they satisfied with the outcome of their case?

Your family and friends are great resources in finding the right attorney for your workplace injury case.

4: Assess Attorneys and Firms and Make a Short List of Candidates

Once you have some names of attorneys and firms you’re considering, it’s time to start narrowing it down.

To weigh your options effectively, it may help to rank the things you consider most essential. For example, your list from most to least important may look something like this:

• Experience, certifications, and awards – How many years has this attorney been practicing workers’ compensation law in North Carolina? Do they have any certifications (for example, are they a North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist in Workers’ Compensation law)? Is the firm or attorney the recipient of peer recognition or awards (such as Best Lawyers or Super Lawyers, for example)?
• Reviews – If you have not already done so, look for reviews online for the firm or attorney you’re considering.
• Results – Does the firm or attorney publish any information on case results that you can review?
• Firm resources – What tools and legal contacts does the firm have, and how do those help them pursue great results, fast?
• Communication – How often will you get check-ins and updates? What is their timeframe for returning phone calls or emails?
• Location or virtual consultation availability – You may decide that being able to consult in person is critical to you. Or you may want a remote consultation. Can the firm accommodate your preference?

5. Call and Meet With Attorneys (and Ask Questions)

You’ve got your list. Now it’s time to meet with the firms or attorneys and get a feel for them.

The Attorney “Interview”

You may want to treat your consultation with an attorney like a job interview – you’re the boss because it’s your case. You may already have a list of questions you want to ask, but here are some that could help you:

• What kind of workers’ comp experience do you or your firm have in North Carolina?
• Why did you choose workers’ compensation law?
• Do any of your workers’ compensation lawyers have any North Carolina certifications?
• Have you or your firm taken workers’ compensation cases to the North Carolina Industrial Commission?
• Do you have any clients I could speak to for reference?
• How many cases are you handling?
• How is communication handled?
• What is the process for handling my case? What should I expect?
• Are you or your firm familiar with the doctor/insurer in my case?
• How long do you believe my case will take?
• What does hiring you or your firm cost?

If it’s important to you, ask about it.

6. Make Your Choice

Don’t wait too long to make a decision. The longer you wait, the more you may be losing.

Here are a few things to consider as you make your selection:

• Do you feel like one or more of the attorneys you’ve spoken to is a good match? If not, are you looking for a combination of qualifications that may not exist?
• Which attorney did you feel most comfortable communicating with? Did you have a more natural rapport with one than the others? Your workers’ compensation attorney should take the stress off you, not cause it.
• Did they explain their fee structure in a way you understood? Do they charge by the hour or only charge an attorney’s fee if they win for you?
• Were the “next steps” and case process explained clearly? Do you understand what’s likely to happen? Did the attorneys set expectations?

Once you’ve made a choice, you can sign a representation agreement, giving the attorney the authority to represent you in your case. Throughout the case, your attorney will make recommendations regarding everything from your medical care to how you communicate with others regarding your case.

Are We the Right Attorney for You?

The Law Offices of James Scott Farrin has the experience and resources to help you. Our North Carolina workers’ compensation team has several attorneys who:

• are NC State Bar Board Certified Specialists in Workers’ Compensation law
• have worked on behalf of insurance companies and possess inside knowledge

We are passionate about helping injured workers and are ready to fight for all the workers’ comp benefits you may deserve. We have a reputation for great results: Since our firm began, we’ve helped 65,000+ people recover more than $1.8 billion total. And counting.¹

You don’t have to worry about the cost of working with our firm. There are no hourly fees or upfront costs. And, if we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us no attorney’s fee at all. Guaranteed.²

Ready for answers and help with your workers’ comp case? You can visit one of our convenient office locations. We can also handle things remotely, or we can even come to you!

Get your case evaluated for free and see if we are the right workers’ compensation law firm for you. There is no obligation. Call us at 1-866-900-7078 now or click to chat!

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