Wiki-How to Choose an Atlanta Workers' Compensation Lawyer

If you are injured at work and plan to file a workers’ compensation claim in Atlanta, you may need an attorney to advocate for your cause. Although not all workers’ comp claims require legal intervention, many do. How do you know if your claim merits a workers’ comp attorney? Where do you begin when looking for Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers?

How to Search

There are many steps to take in finding lists of workers’ comp attorneys in Georgia. How do you find the attorney that’s right for you and your claim? Workers’ compensation is a state-run program, so every state is different in how they process claims.

Better Business Bureau--The BBB is a non-profit corporation that ranks businesses and nonprofits based on data collection. They also use dispute resolution to work out complaints between consumers and businesses or charities. One of the BBB’s goals is to provide consumers with information about businesses and firms so that the individual can make educated decisions before partnering with a firm.

BBB Accreditation gives highly rated firms a competitive edge over their competition, and gives you a trusted badge signifying a stellar reputation. A law firm that handles workers’ compensation claims and carries BBB accreditation may be a good choice for you when needing legal assistance. When looking for an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer, the BBB is a reputable judge that can show if a law firm has adequately resolved problems or has any complaints against them to begin with.

The Atlanta Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral and Information Service (LRIS) referred over 14,000 citizens last year to qualified attorneys in the Atlanta area. Their mission is “to provide and promote access to the legal system through an organized referral program and grant service.” When the LRIS refers a workers’ comp attorney to you, that firm has been vetted and approved based on their track record in the courtroom and reputation among their peers.

The Atlanta Bar Association has other services available to the public, including Pro Bono resources, consumer problem resources, labor problem resources, and civil rights resources. When you need help for a workers’ comp claim, any of these resources can help your particular case.

Social Media and search engines like Google can also be a resource when searching for the best workers’ compensation attorney for you. You can read reviews, check their ranking, and determine their reputation based on what others say about a particular firm on social media. Keep in mind that these opinions are often anonymous and are not as reputable as a vetted listing or service, but they can be valuable when you are making your decision regarding who to call.

If an attorney has multiple poor reviews on social media or on a search engine, this can be a red flag for consumers. However, one negative review that’s handled properly by the firm can give you insight into how that firm handles their problems. No business runs perfectly. How they handle problems or complaints can show you how they could handle additional problems in the future, should they arise.

If you visit a law firm’s website, you should have resources and information available to you that don’t require a commitment. A testimonials page can see what others say about the firm. A legal blog that speaks to consumers about topics that answer specific questions about your case. You can also see if workers’ compensation is a primary area of practice for the firm, or if it’s not. You want experience when it comes to the right law firm for your claim, and an attorney website can answer many questions for you before you move forward in choosing the right attorney for you.

Narrowing Your List

Once you’ve created a list of reputable, approved workers comp attorneys, you can begin to narrow your list based on the specifics of your claim. How do you best do that?

First, choose a workers’ compensation claim that is local. A local attorney is familiar with the courts, judges, and staff in the county where you will make your claim. This gives you an advantage if your claim is to go to a bench trial, because your attorney has a track record and a good reputation. Choosing an attorney who’s not local, or is from a national firm, may not be advantageous to you in the long run.

Secondly, choose a firm that treats people like individuals. After all, every claim is unique. Contact a firm by phone and talk to the staff. Are they too busy to talk to you? Can they effectively set up a claim evaluation for you, or offer a reasonable date for a first appointment for you to meet with a workers’ compensation lawyer face to face? They may direct your to their website for a free claim evaluation, or they may take your information on the phone. Either way, a helpful staff is an indicator of how you and your case will be handled.

Thirdly, choose a law firm with experience in workers’ compensation. A law firm that’s been in business for 20 years but specialized in family law, for example, may not be the right firm to handle your claim. They’re experienced, but not in the practice area where you currently need help. When you choose an experienced workers’ compensation attorney, you are setting yourself up for success.

On average, workers who have been initially denied a workers’ comp claim and then retain a workers’ comp attorney are more likely to win their case and receive higher benefits than those who do not retain an attorney. In short, it’s in your best interest to fill out a free case evaluation and see if you can benefit from legal help for your claim.

We Can Help.

Navigating workers’ compensation settlements doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Affleck and Gordon, we understand what you’re going through, as we’ve assisted many others in winning benefits for their on-the-job injuries. As we evaluate your claim, we’ll help organize the most important facts of your medical history, and help you present a strong, compelling case that can lead to a successful settlement. At Affleck and Gordon, we’re the experienced Atlanta workers’ comp law firm you need.

If your workers' comp claim has been denied, or you’re thinking about filing and don’t know where to start, Affleck and Gordon can help. We’ve been helping people in Georgia just like you for over 45 years.