Hiring an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is key to building a strong case and getting the compensation you deserve.
Your attorney will stay in touch with you throughout your workers’ comp claim process. But how often should you hear from your workers’ comp attorney?
This depends on the complexity of your claim and how quickly your employer, their insurance company, and your state’s workers’ compensation division take action.
In the beginning, you might speak to your attorney almost every day, either by phone, text, email, or video call. The same is true when your case takes a significant step forward. But when your attorney is waiting on other people, they might not have anything new to tell you.
Oftentimes, the progress of your case is out of your and your attorney’s control. However, a competent and experienced attorney will always stay in touch to keep you up-to-date on your case, even when nothing’s happening. And if you ever want an update, all you have to do is get in touch.
When it comes to working with a workers’ comp attorney, you need to make the first move. Call Phalen Law toll-free or fill in our Free Case Evaluation form online to tell us about your claim and arrange trusted legal representation.
When will I hear from my workers’ comp attorney?
When your attorney needs more information
To build a watertight case and calculate the benefits you’re owed, your attorney will need a lot of information from you.
At the start, this will include details of your job-related injury or illness. But as your case progresses, they’ll also need to know about your medical evaluations, working conditions, and so on.
When there’s an update to your claim
Every time your claim takes a step forward, your workers’ comp attorney will let you know.
Some of these updates may be significant. But others might just be to keep you in the loop.
For example, they might tell you:
- Your workers’ comp claim has been filed
- Your claim was approved or denied by insurance
- Medical treatment has been approved or denied
- Your settlement agreement was signed by insurance or approved by a judge
- A court hearing or meeting with a judge has been scheduled
If you have any questions following an update from your attorney, always feel free to ask.
When you’ve received a settlement offer
Many workers’ comp claims are resolved through settlement, either as a lump sum or under a structured settlement plan.
If your attorney receives a settlement offer, they’ll be in touch to discuss how much you’d receive, what costs it would cover, and whether they think the offer is too low.
Based on your discussion and your personal interests, you may wish to accept or press on with your claim to win more money.
When you need to make important decisions
You’ll need to make many important decisions throughout your workers’ compensation claim. And while your attorney will offer expert advice and guidance, they can’t make these decisions for you.
When you need to make an important decision, your attorney will contact you to discuss your options in detail.
Even when there’s nothing to report
Depending on the complexity of your claim and how quickly other parties act, there may be no progress for days or even weeks at a time. This is perfectly normal and not a cause for concern.
But for some people, hearing nothing about their claim can be a source of worry and stress. So even when nothing new has happened, your workers’ comp attorney will still be in touch regularly to keep you informed.
When should I contact my workers’ comp attorney?
When you remember details you didn’t share
Your attorney needs as many details as possible about your job-related injury or illness to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. So if you remember something you haven’t told them that could be valuable to your claim, contact your attorney right away.
When you have new information
Sometimes, you’ll receive new information that your attorney doesn’t have. So it’s important that you let them know
This could include when:
- Your employers contacts you about your workers’ comp claim
- You’re contacted by your state’s workers’ compensation division or the insurance company
- You start experiencing new symptoms from your injuries, or side effects from your treatment
- Your doctor alters your diagnosis or treatment plan
- Your medical care was denied or you receive a medical bill
- Your employers offers you modified-duty or light-duty work
- Your doctor approves you to return to work in any capacity
- You got fired or your employment was terminated
- Your workers’ comp checks are late or have stopped
When you have questions about the status of your claim
A good attorney will provide regular updates, even when nothing is going on. But if you feel anxious or want to make sure there’s nothing you need to do, don’t hesitate to reach out.
When you’re not sure what to do
There are certain things you should and shouldn’t be doing when filing for workers’ compensation. So if you’re not sure what to do in any situation, it’s best to check with your attorney.
They can answer questions such as:
- Should I accept my employer’s offer to return to work?
- What should I do if I’m concerned about my doctor’s advice?
- Are there any expenses I should pay for myself?
- Is it okay for me to do certain activities outside of work?
- Are there any actions to avoid while applying for workers’ comp?
When your attorney needs to speak with you
If you receive a voicemail, message, or email from your attorney saying they need to speak with you, contact them at your earliest convenience.
There are certain important decisions about your claim that your attorney can’t make on your behalf. So you need to respond as soon as possible to keep your claim moving forward and receive the benefits you’re owed quickly.
Schedule your free no-obligation consultation
The highly experienced workers’ comp attorneys at Phalen Law in Kansas and Missouri are ready and waiting to fight for your right to compensation. As well as providing trusted and proven legal representation, we always make the effort to ensure you feel heard, understood, and well informed at every step.
Call us now or fill out our Free Case Evaluation form online to give us the details of your claim.
William L. Phalen
For 30 years, Bill Phalen has been representing families and workers whose lives have been devastated by workplace injuries, reckless drivers and the negligence of others. When tragedy needlessly strikes – because of the irresponsible behavior of an employer, corporation or an insurance company – Bill Phalen is an advocate for the people, always representing David in the fight against Goliath. Bill’s strong convictions have led to successful cases at the Court of Appeals and Kansas Supreme Court.