Big Illinois Work Injury Lawyer Lie
Be careful of promises like “your case is probably worth six figures,” or anything similar that you hear from an attorney at the beginning of your case. If an attorney is promising you the moon at your initial meeting or consultation, beware. At that point, you are a potential client, and they want your business. If they make an argument about why they are the right attorney for you, based on their experience, past success, etc., that’s fine. But if they are promising a particular result, or guaranteeing you a win, or a big settlement, you are right to be skeptical.
No one can predict how a case will turn out, even an attorney with years of experience. And attorneys should know better. This is especially true in the early stages of a case. The value of a work injury claim is based largely on the extent of your injury and whether it’s permanent. If you hurt your back at work and are just starting to look into treatment, you have no idea what the long-term effect of that injury is going to be. What if you need surgery, or two surgeries? What if some chiropractic work fixes the problem? The range of outcomes is huge, and attorneys are not doctors.
We got a call recently from someone who was very upset about what their case ended up being worth. And we don’t blame them. Their attorney initially told them the case would be worth at least $150,000. Two years later, they get an offer for a $40,000 settlement. Now the lawyer is saying the case is not worth $150,000. The client is angry. The attorney is being honest now, but wasn’t being honest two years ago when trying to get the client in the door.
It’s a huge red flag. And it’s one that a potential client can miss because they want to believe what they’re hearing and they don’t have the legal knowledge or experience to know that it’s not an accurate estimate. The best thing you can do to avoid this is to avoid attorneys who make promises, especially about the outcome of your case or what it’s worth. No one can predict that. And if they pretend that they can, then they aren’t being honest with you.
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.
