The First Meeting With Your Worker’s Compensation Attorney

We are Illinois lawyers, who since 2001, have been offering legal guidance and attorney referrals to the best workers compensation attorneys in Illinois. Call our office at 312-346-5320 or 800-517-1614 to speak with an attorney for FREE and get pointed in the right direction. Or  fill out our contact form and we will contact you. All inquiries are free and confidential.

When you get injured  on the job in Illinois, it’s the attorney’s job to handle the case and fight for your benefits. That said, the best thing you can do is take an interest in helping that attorney and providing them information that will assist them. They will have your case and likely a couple hundred other clients so the more you can assist them, the better your case will go. Here are some tips that will help that first meeting and the case in general go well.

1. Document the incident: Begin with writing how your injury occurred. Include specific details like who was present, if there were any witnesses and if so who and the implications of the incident. This document will give the attorney a reference point to look back on when needed. It should also include who you reported the accident to and how you did that.
2. Understanding your diagnosis: Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of your medical diagnosis. If you have any questions, it is very important to contact your doctor for clarification. Additionally, it is beneficial to have your provider’s contact information readily available.
3. Pre-existing medical conditions: Provide your attorney with information listing any pre-existing medical conditions or prior injuries that affect the same part of your body that the new injury does. Providing this information won’t hinder your case, it’s important for your attorney to have a clear understanding of your medical history.
4. Employer details: Be prepared to provide your attorney with all essential information about your employer, including their address. Furthermore, bring any communication that you have had with your employer regarding your injury and the incident. This includes any conversations you have had with colleagues or supervisors.
5. Worker’s compensation insurance provider: If possible, try to obtain the name and contact information of your employer’s worker compensation insurance carrier. Having this information can expedite the process.

It is up to your attorney to ask the right questions including and to seek out the information that you need. So if you don’t have everything, don’t worry. We just wanted to offer tips on what they might look for or what could help them.

Beyond giving them information at this meeting, use this time to ask ANY questions that you may have. They should make you comfortable and explain things to you. They should give you a road map of how the case will be handled and who your point of contact will be.  While you can ask questions at any time during the case, we think this first meeting is a great opportunity to do it as you want to make sure that you are working with the right law firm. If they don’t inspire confidence at that meeting, don’t hire them.

If you have any questions or would like a referral to a workers’ compensation attorney, please contact us any time. All inquiries are free and confidential.