If you’ve been hurt at work or you’re suffering from an occupational disease, navigating the workers’ compensation claims process can feel overwhelming. At Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, we’ve helped injured workers in the greater New York City area get the benefits they deserve for more than 30 years. We believe in empowering clients with the information they need, and being prepared for your first meeting with a workers’ compensation attorney can help you make the most of your initial consultation.
Understand What’s Involved in Your Initial Consultation
In your first meeting with a workers’ compensation attorney, the primary goals are to gather information, assess your case, and advise you on how to go about pursuing your claim. During your free initial consultation, our workers’ compensation lawyers evaluate your claim, explain your rights and options, and offer potential strategies for your case. It’s also an opportunity for us to get to know each other and answer any questions you may have.
Gather Claim-Related Documents
Bringing all necessary documents helps your workers’ compensation lawyer get a clear understanding of your case. These essential documents include:
- Incident or accident report submitted to your employer
- Medical records, including doctors’ notes, treatment plans, test results, reports detailing work restrictions or limitations, and any other injury-related documentation from healthcare providers
- Income information, such as recent pay stubs, W-2s, or other proof of your earnings prior to the injury
- Employment records, such as contracts, your job description, and proof of employment
- Correspondence with your employer and their insurance company, including denial letters or settlement offers
- Witness statements and/or contact information for coworkers or others who saw what happened
- Photographs or video that provides visual evidence of your injuries, the location of the accident, and any hazardous workplace conditions
Creating a file folder for these documents as you gather them can help you stay organized and allow easy access during your consultation with our workers’ compensation lawyers on Long Island.
Make a Timeline of Events
Making a timeline of events related to your injury or illness can help your attorney understand the circumstances surrounding your case. Some helpful details include:
- The date, time, and location of the accident or when symptoms of an occupational disease began
- How the injury occurred or what you believe caused the illness
- The date you reported the incident to your employer
- When you first saw a health care provider and the steps you’ve taken to follow your doctor’s recommendations
- Dates of any communication or interactions with your employer or their insurance company
Be Straightforward and Share as Many Details as Possible
It’s important to be honest with your workers’ compensation attorney so they can provide effective legal representation and have a comprehensive understanding of your case. In addition to asking you about when, where, and how your workplace injury occurred, some other questions they may ask include:
- What type of injury or illness did you sustain?
- How has it impacted your daily life and ability to work?
- Did you report the injury to your employer? If so, when?
- Did you inform them in writing?
- Did anyone witness the incident?
- When and where have you sought medical treatment?
- What diagnosis and treatment have you received so far?
- Are you still receiving medical care for the injury?
- Do you have any prior similar injuries or preexisting conditions?
- What is your job title and responsibilities?
- How long have you worked for your current employer?
- Are you unable to work due to the injury?
- Did your employer offer light-duty work or other accommodations?
- Have you already filed a workers’ compensation claim?
- Have you been contacted by your employer or their insurance company?
- Have you received any workers’ compensation benefits yet?
- Has your claim been delayed or denied?
- Have you signed any documents or provided statements to your employer or their insurer?
- Do you have any other legal claims related to this injury, such as a third-party personal injury claim?
- Do you have a history of filing workers’ compensation claims?
- Are there any other details you think are important to your case?
Contemplating the answers to these questions ahead of time can help your workers’ compensation lawyer gather more information at your initial consultation and develop an effective strategy.
Questions to Ask a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Your first meeting with any attorney also gives you an opportunity to clarify things you’re uncertain about and determine whether the lawyer is the right fit for you. Some questions to ask include:
- How long have you been practicing workers’ compensation law?
- Do you have experience handling cases similar to mine?
- Do you have a track record of success in workers’ compensation cases?
- What’s the process for filing a claim or appealing a denial?
- What are the potential outcomes of my case?
- How long do you expect my case to take?
- What do you need from me to help strengthen my case?
- What is your fee structure?
- Who will be my main contact at your firm and how often can I expect updates on my case?
Don’t hesitate to take notes during the meeting. Having this important information on hand enables you to make informed decisions and helps you understand the claims process
Learn the Basics about Workers’ Compensation
Although your attorney will explain the process and answer questions, it’s good to familiarize yourself with workers’ compensation benefits, rules, and procedures. Reading up on them ahead of time can help you better understand issues like eligibility requirements, specific benefits you may receive, filing deadlines, and the appeals process.
How Our Long Island Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
We understand that being injured on the job can throw a wrench in even the best-laid plans. Our workers’ compensation attorneys want your initial meeting to be informative and productive so we can set a solid foundation for a successful case. However, if you don’t have all the documents and information you need ahead of time, don’t worry. We can help you obtain medical records and any other necessary documentation. Our team is here to guide you through the process, advocate for your rights, and help you obtain the benefits you need to recover and move forward. Attorney and Partner Rolando Cubela to offers our Spanish-speaking clients legal representation they can trust.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in the Greater New York City Area
As native Staten Islanders, the workers’ compensation lawyers at Nappa, Monterosso & Poznansky, LLP are dedicated to helping workers in the greater NYC area get back on their feet. Contact us or call 718-273-9000 to schedule your free consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney on Long Island today.
