How Do Workers Comp Lawyers Get Paid?
When you’ve been injured on the job, dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and the workers’ compensation system can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering how to afford legal representation and how workers’ comp lawyers get paid. At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law, we believe in transparency about fees and services. This post will help you understand how workers’ comp lawyers are compensated and how we ensure that our clients receive the highest level of service without financial stress.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. These benefits can include medical treatment, wage replacement, and disability benefits. While the process of applying for and receiving workers’ comp benefits may seem straightforward, disputes often arise, especially when your injury claims are denied by the insurance company, or when the compensation offered doesn’t cover all your expenses. This is where an experienced workers’ comp attorney can help.
How Do Workers’ Comp Lawyers Charge for Their Services?
The payment structure for workers’ compensation attorneys differs from other types of legal representation. Here are the most common ways that workers’ comp lawyers get paid:
1. Contingency Fee Basis
Most workers’ compensation lawyers, including those at Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay attorney fees if you win your case and recover compensation. The fee is typically a percentage of the benefits recovered or a lump-sum settlement. If you do not win your case, you won’t owe any attorney fees.
In North Carolina, the state’s Industrial Commission regulates the percentage that workers’ compensation attorneys can charge. Usually, it ranges between 25% and 33% of the final settlement or award, ensuring that you retain the majority of your compensation.
2. No Upfront Fees
One of the most common concerns clients have is whether they will need to pay upfront fees. The good news is that, with Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law there are no upfront costs to worry about. You won’t need to pay a retainer fee or hourly rates while your case is in progress. We understand that you’re dealing with financial challenges due to your injury, so we ensure that our services are affordable and accessible to all injured workers.
3. Reimbursement of Expenses
In some cases, additional expenses related to your workers’ comp case, such as court filing fees, medical records, expert witness fees, and other litigation costs, may be incurred. These expenses are typically deducted from the final settlement or award after your case is resolved. At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, we carefully track these costs and are transparent with our clients about them throughout the process.
4. What Happens If You Don’t Win?
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied or you don’t receive any compensation, you generally won’t owe any attorney fees. However, you may still be responsible for some out-of-pocket costs, such as filing fees or the cost of obtaining medical records. We will always discuss these potential costs with you upfront so that there are no surprises.
Why Should You Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complicated, especially when your injury claims are denied, or the compensation offered doesn’t cover your expenses. Here are some of the key reasons to consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer:
- Claim Denial: If your initial claim is denied, an attorney can help you appeal the decision and gather evidence to support your case.
- Maximizing Benefits: Insurance companies and your insurance carrier often offer low settlements. A lawyer can help ensure you receive the maximum benefits available.
- Negotiating Settlements: If a lump-sum settlement is offered, your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to make sure you get a fair deal.
- Legal Expertise: Workers’ comp laws are complex, and an experienced attorney knows how to navigate the system to protect your rights.
At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, we have extensive experience representing injured workers in North Carolina. Our goal is to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve, without the stress of legal fees until your case is resolved. If you want to learn about what do workers comp lawyers do, click on the hyperlink so you can learn more.
How Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help You
At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, we are committed to providing top-tier legal services to injured workers across North Carolina. Here’s how we help our clients through the workers’ compensation process:
- Initial Consultation: We offer a free initial consultation to discuss the details of your case. During this consultation, we’ll review your injury claim, discuss your options, and explain how our fees work.
- Comprehensive Case Review: We will thoroughly investigate your case, gather medical records, and obtain expert opinions to build a strong case for your compensation.
- Appeals and Litigation: If your claim is denied or if the settlement offered is inadequate, we will represent you in hearings and appeals before the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
- Communication with Insurance Companies: We handle all communication with the insurance company, so you don’t have to worry about negotiating with them while you’re recovering from your injury.
Why Choose Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson?
Choosing the right workers’ comp lawyer is crucial to ensuring you receive the compensation you need for your recovery. Here’s why Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson stands out as the leading workers’ compensation law firm in Greensboro, NC:
- Experience: Our attorneys have years of experience handling workers’ comp cases and understand the intricacies of North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws.
- Client-Centered Approach: We put our clients first, ensuring that you understand every step of the process and are comfortable with the legal strategy.
- Proven Results: We have a proven track record of securing significant settlements and benefits for our clients.
- No Win, No Fee: With our contingency fee arrangement, you don’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.
Final Thoughts
Dealing with a work-related injury is stressful enough without the added worry of legal fees. At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if we secure compensation for you. We are committed to fighting for the rights of injured workers and ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.
If you’ve been injured on the job and need help with your workers’ compensation claims, don’t hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on your recovery.