How to choose the right workers’ compensation lawyer in Queensland?

When someone is involved in a workplace accident and suffers injury and the associated losses with being injured, it is an already stressful and uncertain time, so having to find a lawyer to make a workers’ compensation claim can feel overwhelming.

A simple internet search using online directories or legal association websites (like the Queensland Law Society) will provide you with a selection of workers compensation lawyers. You may even have family and friends who have had a similar experience and could make a recommendation. In narrowing down who to call, visiting the firms’ websites will give you a glimpse into their specialty, who they are and their offerings. Most law firms will offer you a free initial consultation, to help you find the right lawyer, we recommend using that initial phone call and/or appointment to explore the following:

Area of specialty

Like doctors, there are lawyers who run a general practice and others who specialise in one area. As personal injury laws and procedures are complex, it is recommended that you search for a lawyer who is a specialist in workers’ compensation law. They will be the most qualified to help you, protect your interests by advising and acting on important time frames, knowing what evidence to gather and knowing how to best strategically work with the negligent parties and their insurers.

Location

People often begin looking for a lawyer by searching “workers’ compensation injury lawyer near me”, however, the physical location of the lawyer’s office is not the most important factor. Whether the lawyer is qualified to practice in Queensland, where the accident occurred, and how the injury lawyer near you will connect and communicate with you is more important. With technology, home visits (recognising some injured people are not in a position to travel) or meeting at a mutually convenient location, the location of the actual office becomes less relevant. Knowing how frequently you are required to meet in person and how that will happen is worth establishing.

Fee Arrangement

Understanding the fee arrangement that the lawyer is offering you is important. Are they prepared to act for you on a no win no fee basis and what are the terms of the agreement? It is normal practice for the lawyer to give you a copy of the agreement to read over and to give you an opportunity to seek advice and ask questions in relation to that agreement.

Rapport

The initial phone call and/or appointment is a great opportunity for you to meet the workers’ compensation lawyer you will be working with. You need to work with the lawyer for a significant amount of time and it is a matter that is incredibly important to you, so we recommend that you work with someone you have a good rapport with. Knowing if you have good rapport would mean that you feel like you can ask questions, that the lawyer is listening to you, you feel heard, the lawyer has taken an interest in you and can give you advice, even advice that you might not want to hear. You should be able to establish how good the lawyer is at communicating and their communication style in the initial appointment.

You are not under an obligation to proceed with any lawyer you consult. It is important that you use the initial consultation to satisfy yourself of the matters discussed above so that you can be certain you have the right lawyer on your side for your workers’ compensation injury claim.

Learn more about workers’ compensation claims in Queensland

For additional insights into navigating workers’ compensation claims, visit the WorkSafe Queensland website.

Connect with us!

Find Trilby Misso Lawyers on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.