- What should I do if I am injured?
- Call us immediately. We can help get your medical bills and lost wages paid. There is no obligation and the advice is free.
- Do I really need a lawyer?
- Yes, but more importantly, a lawyer experienced in handling accident or compensation cases. The laws are always changing. An insurance company can take advantage of a claimant because they do not know their rights.
- Why should I call a lawyer immediately?
- An investigation must be started as soon as possible. A thorough investigation can mean the difference between winning and losing a claim. The insurance company has already contacted witnesses, taken photographs and obtained police reports. You should protect your rights, too.
- Why do I need an attorney?
- Your employer and its insurance carrier have a team of claims representatives, investigators, doctors and lawyers all working to limit your benefits. In order to compete and win your case, you need to insure that the lawyers at Lewis & Lewis, P.C. are on your side from the very beginning.
- How much do I have to pay my attorney?
- We only get paid if we obtain money for you. Our fees, which are typically about 10% of the amount awarded by the Workers' Compensation judge, are deducted from your award and sent to us by the insurance company. There is no retainer and no up-front fees or costs. You never pay out-of-pocket.
- Why should I talk to a lawyer instead of the insurance company?
- You must know your rights before you speak with the insurance company. They cannot give you legal advice and they are not interested in what is best for you and your family.
- What about my insurance company?
- You must cooperate with your insurance company. If you are involved in a car accident, you must tell your insurance company about the accident within 30 days or they will not cover your medical bills and lost wages. If they stop paying your bills, a lawyer can help you get them to pay those bills.
- Aren't most claims settled?
- Ordinarily, most cases are settled before trial. However, insurance companies value claims differently if the injured person is unrepresented or does not have an experienced lawyer handling the claim. Although we will attempt to settle your claim without going to court, the insurance companies know we are very capable of winning your case at trial.
- Can I sue my employer or someone else for my injuries?
- This is a difficult question to answer because the facts of each case determine the answer. I can tell you that Workers' Compensation was designed as an exclusive remedy between an injured employee and his employer, which means that an injured employee may not sue his employer directly, even though his injuries are severe or may even cause death. However, when it can be shown that someone else (not a fellow employee) or something else caused or contributed to the injury, you may be able to sue that person or company. At Lewis & Lewis, P.C., we have a large personal injury department that is devoted to representing accident victims. We have over 60 years of experience and are uniquely qualified to determine whether a third-party is at fault for your accident and whether a lawsuit should be pursued on your behalf.