We often get calls from injured workers that have an attorney already and want us to take over their case. Depending on the case issues and how far along the case is, we will consider it. Before we do though, we want to know what is wrong with the current lawyer. Often we can help the caller realize that sticking it out is the right thing to do. Other times it’s clear that they have the wrong attorney. Either the lawyer is a yeller, doesn’t return phone calls or worst of all, doesn’t really handle work injury cases. The biggest complaint we get is that the attorney doesn’t seem to know what they are doing or doesn’t explain what is going on to their client.
Most recently this happened to someone who called us and felt that his Waukegan workers compensation attorney could not tell her what the strategy was to get her benefits reinstated. I had never heard of her lawyer before which isn’t a great sign for them, but hey, I don’t know everyone. But what is definitely a bad sign is that the lawyer couldn’t explain the simple and common trial motion he had to file to try and win the case and worse yet was that he didn’t file the motion at all. When the client did some research and asked him what a 19b is (that’s the motion he needs to file), he basically brushed it off and told her not to worry.
Don’t worry???? She has no money coming in and can’t get the medical care she needs. Of course she is worried.
In the big picture, not every attorney is going to give perfect customer service. However, if they can’t explain things to you, how are they going to argue your position to the Arbitrator if the case goes to trial or to the insurance company if there are settlement negotiations? They probably can’t and that will hurt you.
Again, we always try and encourage callers to stick with their lawyers if they can. When these lawyers are a nightmare though, you must realize that you get one shot only to win your case. It’s better to jump ship before it’s too late.
We are workers’ compensation attorneys who 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.