Sustaining a workplace injury can impact every facet of your life. And unfortunately, such injuries are more common than you might think. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021 alone.
If you or a loved one has sustained an injury on the job in connection with your work duties, hiring a work injury attorney is one of the best things you can do to protect your rights moving forward. But with so many to choose from, you might be wondering, How do I get a lawyer for my work injury?
If you’re not sure where or how to begin, the work injury attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP are here to help. Use our guide below to learn more about workplace injuries and six ways to find the best work injury lawyer for you.
Types of Workplace Accidents and Injuries
According to the 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses report, the top four industries in which work-related accidents occurred were:
- Health care and social assistance,
- Retail trade,
- Manufacturing, and
- Transportation and warehousing.
That said, workplace injuries can occur at nearly any time and in nearly any setting.
According to the National Safety Council, some of the most common types or causes of workplace injuries include:
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments;
- Overexertion or bodily reaction;
- Slips, trips, and falls;
- Contact with objects and equipment;
- Transportation incidents;
- Violence and other injuries by persons or animals; and
- Fire and explosives.
Depending on your specific injuries, you might be wondering when to get a lawyer for a work injury. In reality, it’s always a good idea to consult with an experienced attorney, no matter the severity of your injuries.
At Armstrong Lee & Baker, we always offer free case reviews. Thus, there’s no risk to you to contact our team to discuss your case and see whether it makes sense to pursue a legal claim.
If you’re not quite ready to get started, we completely understand. In the meantime, here are six tips to help you find the best work injury lawyer near you.
- Search the Internet for “Work Injury Attorney Near Me” or “Best Work Injury Lawyer”
While this might sound overly simple, a quick internet search is one of the best places to start.
Gone are the days of painstakingly searching through the phone book and calling all of the attorneys in your area. Instead, begin with a brief internet search to find some initial options.
Search engines can very quickly take a variety of factors into account to provide you with results that best meet the intent of your search. In doing so, you can save yourself a great deal of time. But be careful not to just accept the top results. Many law firms pay hefty fees to get their name listed near the top. Take the time to scroll through the pages and look at the websites.
- Narrow Your Search for Law Firms That Regularly Handle Injury Claims
One of the downsides of an internet search is often the magnitude of results and information you receive. With so many options available, it can often feel overwhelming knowing how to narrow those options down. A quick way to cut out options is to eliminate any that do not regularly handle personal injury claims.
It’s not uncommon for a law firm to market itself as a “Jack of all trades” type of firm. In other words, these law firms dabble in many areas of law—from personal injury to business law and even criminal defense—rather than focusing their skills and expertise in any one or two areas. However, for something as sensitive and significant as your workplace injury, it’s crucial to have an attorney who regularly handles injury claims and knows the ins and outs of this particular area of law.
At Armstrong Lee & Baker, we are proud to say that we focus on personal injury cases. Thus, we’re confident that we have the knowledge and expertise necessary to provide you with the best representation possible.
- Look at Online Reviews
Another great way to narrow down your options is to look at online reviews. If someone took the time to write a review, it says something about the quality of services they received. Thus, whether good or bad, an online review for an attorney or law firm will provide you with valuable information.
- Ask for Personal Referrals
Even if you’ve never worked with an attorney before, odds are you know someone who has. Don’t be afraid to ask your friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Additionally, if you’ve worked with a lawyer previously on a non-personal injury-related matter, it might be worth reaching out to them as well in case they have a referral from their own professional network.
- Find a Work Injury Attorney with a History of Success
Of course, no two cases are the same, and no attorney can guarantee any particular outcome.
Nevertheless, previous case results can be a great indicator of future success.
The work injury attorneys at Armstrong Lee & Baker have a tried and true record of success, recovering millions of dollars in well-deserved compensation for our clients. Feel free to browse our past case results to learn more about the many cases we’ve helped our clients win.
- Look for an Attorney Who Is Actively Involved in Their Profession and the Community
Lastly, don’t forget to research the personal and professional backgrounds of any attorneys you’re considering. It’s important to find someone who is not only a great attorney but also a kind person who is passionate about their work. After all, a work injury claim can be a long and stressful process, and you will likely spend a significant amount of time speaking to and interacting with your attorney. Look for things like community involvement and bar association participation to find an attorney who will go above and beyond for your case.
Contact an Experienced Work Injury Attorney Today
Navigating the aftermath of a workplace injury can be complicated and stressful, but we want to help make the process as smooth as possible. At Armstrong Lee & Baker, our goal is to help injury victims hold those responsible for their injuries and get them the care they need as they move forward. We hope we have the opportunity to help you too. Contact us today to discuss your case and see how we can help you start your pathway to recovery.
Scott Armstrong obtains remarkable results for his clients. He has successfully tried numerous cases to favorable verdicts and reached significant settlements on his clients’ behalf. In the process, he has recovered millions for his clients.