Do You Really Need an Attorney?
Workers' Compensation law in Colorado can be truly complex, but that doesn't mean that every single case is complex. I would estimate that about 25 - 30% of the injured workers who deserve benefits do not need an attorney. Unfortunately, it's not easy for you, the injured worker, to know when the complexity of your case requires you to take a step back and let an expert take over. I can't give you any magical formula that will help you make that decision, but I will be candid and frank with you about your needs when we have our free initial consultation. As you do your research and "check out" other attorneys and firms, you will find that almost all of them will recommend to you that you retain them for your work comp case with no discussion whatsoever of whether an attorney is truly needed.
Don't believe me? Check out some of the other websites for Colorado work comp attorneys and see for yourself how many of them, if any, will come right out and tell you -- "You may not need an attorney." The common theme with all this advertising is, "Hire me, hire me, hire me." And when you do, in most cases you will end up paying a percentage of your benefits to the attorney you may not have needed in the first place.
Even though you may not need an attorney, you will definitely need a free, initial consultation. Most all attorneys will offer you that. Ask the attorney you consult for a straight up opinion on whether the complexity of your case really requires that you seek expert help. Judge for yourself whether you are getting a sales pitch. If you feel you are, move on and keep looking. If not, you may have found an attorney you would feel comfortable working with. However, before you sign anything you should also feel comfortable that your selection of attorneys has at least 10 years of experience in work comp and is capable of getting favorable results for you. Whatever you do, don't be satisfied dealing with a paralegal. If you hire an attorney you deserve to be able to talk to your attorney, and not some assistant.
Tim
Phone: (303) 757-2900
E-mail: ColoradoWorkComp@aol.com.