What a workers' comp attorney generally does
A workers' compensation attorney generally helps injured workers understand their options under their state's workers' comp system: what has to be reported and when, what forms to file, and what to expect from the insurer.
They may communicate with the employer's insurance company for you, gather medical records, and represent you at hearings or in negotiations if there is a dispute about your claim, your medical care, your time off work or a settlement offer.
No attorney can promise a result. What happens in a claim depends on the facts, the medical evidence and your state's rules.
When people often consult one
- Your claim was denied, or nobody will tell you whether it was accepted.
- Payments are late or stopped, or medical care you were referred for isn't approved.
- You were discouraged from reporting, or treated differently after you reported the injury.
- The injury is serious or permanent, or you may not be able to return to your old job.
- Someone other than your employer may have caused the injury (a driver, a contractor, an equipment maker).
- You've been offered a settlement and want to understand it before you sign anything.
How fees generally work
Many workers' comp attorneys offer a free first consultation.
In workers' compensation, attorney fees are often regulated or must be approved by the state. The details vary by state and by attorney.
Before you agree to anything, ask how fees and costs work, what you would owe if there is no recovery, and get the agreement in writing.
Questions to ask before you hire anyone
- How much of your practice is workers' compensation, and in which states?
- Have you handled injuries like mine, in my industry?
- How do your fees and costs work? Will I get that in writing?
- Who will handle my matter day to day, and how do I reach them?
- What deadlines might apply to me right now?
- What should I keep, and what should I avoid signing, while we talk?
- Do you also handle third-party or Social Security disability matters, or refer them?
By kind of case
- Workers' compensation claims
- Denied or delayed claims
- Construction site injuries
- Trucking & transportation injuries
- Warehouse & logistics injuries
- Repetitive stress & cumulative trauma
- Occupational illness & exposure
- Third-party liability at work
- Return to work & disability
- Retaliation after reporting an injury
- Work-related PTSD & mental health claims
- Social Security disability
Attorney directory by state
States marked • have listed attorneys today. Every state page explains the general steps and lets you ask our team for help.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a workers' comp attorney?
Not always. Many claims are handled without one. People often consult a workers' compensation attorney when a claim is denied or delayed, when the injury is serious or permanent, or when there is a dispute about care, work or a settlement.
How much does a workers' comp attorney cost?
It varies. Many offer a free first consultation, and in workers' comp, fees are often regulated or approved by the state. Ask exactly how fees and costs work and get it in writing before you agree to anything.
How do I check an attorney's license?
Every state has an attorney licensing authority, usually the state bar, where you can look up whether a lawyer is licensed and in good standing. Check before you hire anyone.
Are the attorneys on Prescriptions.plus recommended?
No. Attorneys marked Sponsored pay Prescriptions.plus a monthly marketing fee to be listed and to receive requests from their area. That is advertising — not a recommendation, review or ranking.
I was hurt but not at work. Where can I look?
Prescriptions.plus focuses on work injuries. For personal legal needs — for example, an injury involving a neighbor, friend or relative — see attorneys.plus (coming soon).
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).