You got hurt at work. Now you’re stuck wondering whether you should handle the claim yourself or bring in an attorney.
Our friends at Polsky, Shouldice & Rosen, P.C. have worked on thousands of these cases, and they’ve seen what happens when people try to go it alone versus when they get help. A workers’ compensation lawyer can walk you through what makes sense for your particular situation.
When You Might Not Need A Lawyer
Some claims really are simple enough to handle on your own. If you sprained your wrist, took three days off, and the insurance company approved everything without hassle, you’re probably fine managing it yourself. Look for these signs:
- Your injury was minor and well-documented
- You only missed a short period of work
- Nobody’s arguing about what happened or whether it was work-related
- Medical records clearly support everything you’re saying
- The insurance adjuster has been reasonable and responsive
That said, even straightforward cases can benefit from a quick consultation. You might not know what benefits you’re actually entitled to receive.
Warning Signs You Need Legal Help
Some situations scream for professional representation. Don’t ignore these red flags.
They denied your claim. It happens all the time, even when the claim is completely legitimate. An attorney knows exactly how to appeal and what evidence you’ll need to win.
You’ve got a pre-existing condition. Insurance companies love blaming your current injury on something that happened years ago. They’ll use any excuse to pay you less or nothing at all. Without someone pushing back hard, you’ll lose benefits you actually deserve.
Your injury is serious. We’re talking permanent disability, chronic pain, or anything that’ll affect you for years. The money at stake in these cases can be life-changing. What you settle for now versus what an experienced attorney negotiates might differ by $50,000 or more over time.
They offered you a settlement. First offers are always low. Always. Before you sign anything or take their money, have someone review what they’re offering and calculate what you actually need.
What Attorneys Actually Do
Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about having someone fill out forms. Your attorney becomes your advocate in a system that’s built to minimize what you get paid. They’ll dig into your medical records, talk to witnesses, and build a case proving your injuries and how they connect to your job. Insurance adjusters get trained to reduce claim values, and your lawyer knows their tactics. If you end up at a hearing, your attorney presents evidence, questions witnesses, and argues your case in front of a judge. They know every procedural deadline and requirement that could kill your claim if you miss it.
What About The Cost
This stops a lot of injured workers from getting help. They can’t afford legal fees when they’re already struggling with medical bills and lost wages. Here’s how it actually works. Workers’ compensation attorneys don’t charge you anything upfront. They work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you win. Their fee comes out as a percentage of whatever you receive, and state law usually caps that percentage. You pay nothing unless your attorney successfully gets you benefits. And here’s the thing most people don’t realize: the percentage they take is almost always smaller than the extra money they recover through negotiation.
Making The Call
Think about what’s actually at stake. Got a small cut that healed in a week, and the insurance company paid everything promptly? You don’t need a lawyer. Facing a denial? Dealing with serious injuries? Getting lowball settlement offers? That’s when you need someone in your corner. Be honest about your own comfort level, too. Some people are fine handling legal processes, medical jargon, and negotiations. Others would rather have a professional manage it all. There’s no shame in either approach.
If your injury is keeping you out of work or you’re dealing with ongoing medical issues, don’t try to muscle through this alone. Talk to a workers’ compensation attorney who can look at your case and tell you straight what your options are. Getting what you’re owed often requires someone who knows how to work the system and won’t back down when the insurance company plays hardball.