A New One For Me
So the other day I got a call from a woman who was looking for help in regards to the torn rotator cuff she sustained from a job injury in Chicago. It was a pretty typical call in terms of her describing the accident, how she was sent to an IME doctor and the disagreement she was having with the insurance company. Her case had issues, but it was nothing we don't see on a daily basis.
I was just about to discuss a meeting with her when she added one fact that shocked me. It was something I haven't heard in my 14+ years of doing this. Her case had gone to trial, the day before, and now she realized that she hired the wrong attorney and wanted a new one.
Uhm, I don't know who the best lawyer ever is, but even that person wouldn't have been able to do something for this woman. Once your case goes to trial, that is it. You wait for the Arbitrator's decision and go from there. No new evidence can be presented and you don't get a do over.
I was honestly shocked because she casually mentioned it as if it wasn't a big deal. I never blame a client for being naive about the process - I certainly am naive to many of my client's jobs - but this was really shocking.
The moral of the story is that if you are feeling un-easy that the lawyer you hired won't fight for you, if you don't switch before the trial (or even depositions) takes place, it is probably too late.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
