When a union member is injured at work, they often contact their union for advice. The union may recommend hiring an attorney and might even provide the name of an attorney for them to call. In some cases, it might just be a helpful referral. In some cases, there is more going on.
We’ve been hearing more and more from injured workers who are not happy with the lawyers recommended by their union. Some say they feel forced to hire these attorneys for their work injury claims. The specific complaints we’ve been hearing is that the attorneys they are referred to blow off their cases once they’re in the door, unless they are a well connected client. They don’t feel like they’ve hired the right attorney.
Some firms are known as “union firms,” and these attorneys get a lot of business sent their way. That in itself isn’t a problem. The question: Why are the unions recommending these particular attorneys? Some are great, but some are not. One reason might be the relationships between the firms and the union heads. There are stories of these law firms taking union heads on vacations, buying them gifts like big screen TVs, etc. This is against the law, obviously, but that’s not to say it doesn’t happen.
An attorney should be recommended based on their ability to best represent a client. When it comes to a work injury, the attorney you hire should have specific experience in your type of injury, especially if it is something rare or complex. There is no way that one firm is going to be the best choice for every injury. If you have a heart attack on the job, or an RSD case, or complex back injury, you need someone with that niche experience. When unions refer members to an attorney, it should be based on the best interests of the injured worker, period.
These alleged arrangements are mutually beneficial for the law firms and the union heads. The firms get tons of business; the union heads get perks. But where are the injured workers in this equation? Shouldn’t they be the priority? We don’t promise results, but we do promise service. We believe you should be given all the information, and get a referral based on your individual needs and an attorney’s ability to meet those needs.
If your union recommends an attorney, you don’t have to hire that attorney, even if it seems like you’re getting a lot of pressure to do so. You have the right to seek out your own attorney, or at least get a second opinion.
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.