When pursuing a workers' compensation or personal injury case, establishing sound communication with your attorney during the consultation process is the best way to formulate a proactive legal strategy.
Your attorney will need to know all the facts associated with your case. In order to be on the same page, it's important to be aware of what questions to ask. At Dugan & Associates, we strive to make the legal process as clear and concise as possible for our clients. When you meet with us for a free consultation consider using these questions as talking points while we discuss your situation.
How much experience do you have?
In any workers' compensation or personal injury case, you'll want a seasoned legal representative fighting for you in order to receive the maximum recovery you deserve. At Dugan & Associates, we have over a combined 75 years of experience - including over 25 years from Mitch, who has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best personal injury lawyers not only in Pittsburgh but Pennsylvania as well.
During any consultation, you'll want to learn why a firm is the right one for your specific needs. Inquire about their firm, team, relationships, and experience with particular types of cases.
What benefits can I receive?
Once your lawyer has all of the necessary materials, they will be able to tell you what your likely benefit options are. If you suffered an injury while you were at work, you could be eligible for workers' compensation that covers medical expenses from surgeries, doctors appointments, medications and rehab; lost wages from the extended period of time that the injury forced you to miss work; and - in certain situations - benefits for specific loss, which applies to amputations, hearing loss, vision loss, scarring (head, face or neck) or death benefits. If you are already getting compensation, we will look to maximize recovery, and if you were taking to court, fight to maintain your benefits or settle. Whatever's the best option for you.
If you're filing a personal injury claim, which means you were hurt either during or outside of work due to the negligence of someone other than your employer, you could be eligible for not only lost wages and medical coverage (which is most often paid by workers compensation), but also compensation for pain and suffering damages. There are also certain circumstances where you could be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income from the Social Security Administration.
Do you think I really have a case and what are the chances it'll go to trial?
Based on the details of your injury, your lawyer will be able to tell you if they feel you have a legitimate case eligible to earn recovery for your injuries. This will depend on who was at fault, the severity of your injuries, the length of your disabilities and more. You can discuss with your lawyer whether your case will need to be heard by a workers compensation judge or civil court judge, and whether your claim will need to be heard by a workers' compensation judge. After some time spent negotiating with the claims adjuster, they'll be able to expand on if your situation. Often times, a fair settlement can be reached between both parties that will avoid the stress and legal fees associated with a hearing.
What should I tell the insurance adjuster?
Insurance adjusters handle workers' compensation claims for your employer or negligent party. It's likely they'll want to speak with you about the case regarding the cause, length and treatment of your injuries. Generally, we recommend you speak to a laywer before insurance adjuster. Be careful not to say anything to the claims adjuster that could be misconstrued and negatively impact your case. Your lawyer can provide advice before communicating a claims administrator to avoid any issues, and sometimes, it may be smarter to let them handle the back-and-forth discussions.
Does it matter if I was at fault? What materials will you need from me?
You will need to be honest with your lawyer about fault, considering it can directly impact your case. Fault doesn't always matter for workers' compensation, but will likely always determine potential recovery in personal injury cases.
In terms of materials, your lawyer can give you a detailed explanation of everything you'll need to provide them. It usually consists of medical records, injury history, financial records, insurance information and more. And, whatever you don't have, the lawyers will be able to obtain.
Our team at Dugan & Associates is ready to answer any and all questions during your FREE consultation. Experiencing a loss of income from a workplace injury? An increase in medical bills? Emotional distress due to an accident? Don't worry. Our group of devoted injury lawyers will make sure you receive the maximum monetary compensation available to you. Give us a call at 412-353-3572 or contact us online today!
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