How do you know that you found an experienced and reliable Tampa workers comp lawyer? So far, you never had to look for a lawyer and you have no idea how to assess them after the first appointment.
You can be assured that you are talking with a reputable legal professional if they do not tell you any of these five things.
1. You Have to Pay for the Initial Consultation
An experienced lawyer will always offer new clients a free case review. During this initial appointment, the lawyer can look over your documents and available evidence and see if you have a valid case.
If, for some reason, you do not qualify for filing a workers comp claim under Florida law, there is no point in making another appointment. And it would be unfair for you to pay just to find out there is nothing to do.
Even if you do have a case, you can still change your mind and find another lawyer to represent you.
2. You Must Sign the Retainer Agreement Now
Skilled attorneys do not have to pressure people into signing agreements in order to have clients. They get clients through professionalism, good communication, and genuine dedication to helping injured workers get their fair benefits.
Even if the lawyer tells you that your case is solid, you will still have time to think before entering into a contract with them. At our law firm, the only thing we tell potential clients about timing is that they must remember not to miss the statute of limitations for filing a claim – two years after the date of the workplace accident.
3. We Will Sue Your Employer for Millions
Workers compensation is a system that protects employers from lawsuits. No reputable Tampa workers comp lawyer will tell you that you will be able to sue your employer and get rich.
The only benefits you are entitled to collect are medical care costs and replacement wages, representing 2/3 of your weekly wages.
There are some rare cases when your attorney can prove that your employer acted with gross negligence or willful intent in harming you. Only in this situation, do you have the right to sue the employer.
4. Your Benefits Will Last Until You Are Fully Healed, No Matter How Long It Takes
You must avoid a lawyer who makes this promise because they are misleading you. In Florida, workers’ compensation benefits for temporary disability are payable only up to 104 weeks.
If you do not make a full recovery after this period, your lawyer should assist you in obtaining one of the following:
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits.
The process for obtaining these long-term benefits involves getting examined by a doctor, who will assign you a disability rating. Your benefits will be calculated based on this rating.
5. You Have to Pay Me Upfront
Workers compensation lawyers of good reputation and professional standing do not charge their clients upfront but work on a contingency fee basis. An injured worker is not in the financial position to pay for legal representation. However, everyone should be able to afford a good Tampa workers comp attorney.
This is why the contingency fee system exists. The lawyer gets paid only after they win your claim, by retaining a percentage of the total benefits they’ve won for you. Florida Statute 440.34 limits the percentage as follows:
- 20% of the first $5,000 of benefits.
- 15% of the next $5,000 of benefits.
- 10% of the remaining benefits for the next 10 years
- 5% of the remaining benefits after the first 10 years.
Let an Experienced Tampa Workers Comp Lawyer Help You!
At Florida Lawyers 360, we are dedicated to helping injured workers receive the fair benefits they deserve. This is not easy, as insurance companies are trying to maximize their profits by denying or devaluing claims.
We encourage you to schedule a free case review with an experienced Tampa workers comp attorney as soon as possible after your workplace accident. Call us today at 954-448-7355!
