How Much Does It Cost to Hire A Workers' Compensation Lawyer?

This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner,  LaRuby May who has years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney. Our last modified date shows when this page was last reviewed.

by: 
 | January 20, 2025
How much does it cost to hire a workers compensation lawyer

Hiring a workers' compensation lawyer is an important step when filing a workers' comp claim. Many injured workers worry about the cost, but understanding how lawyers charge for these cases can ease your concerns. Most lawyers in workers' comp cases use fee structures designed to be affordable and accessible.

May Jung Law Personal Injury Lawyers aim to make legal services available for all injured workers. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any costs upfront. We only get paid if we win your case, ensuring you have no financial risks. Let us help you secure the workers compensation benefits you deserve.

Factors Used When Calculating Workers’ Comp Lawyer Fees

The cost of hiring an experienced lawyer depends on several factors. These help determine a reasonable attorney’s fee based on the specifics of your case:

  • Case complexity: More complex cases, such as disputes with the insurance company, may involve higher legal fees.
  • Stage of the case: Costs can increase if your case goes to a workers' comp hearing or requires an appeal.
  • Time and effort required: Lawyers may charge higher fees for cases that need extensive work, like gathering medical records or preparing for a hearing.
  • State regulations: Each state has rules on workers' comp attorneys' fees. Many states limit how much a lawyer can charge in these cases.

May Jung Law Personal Injury Lawyers are transparent about fees and ensure they remain fair.

What Fee Structures Do Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Use?

What fee structures do worker's compensation attorneys use

Workers' comp attorneys use different fee structures depending on the case and client needs. Here are the main types:

Contingency Fees

Most workers' comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you only pay if your lawyer wins your case. The fee is typically a percentage of the settlement or benefits awarded.

For example, if your lawyer secures workers' compensation benefits for you, they might take a percentage of the amount as their payment. Contingency fees are popular because they remove the financial risk for clients. You don’t have to worry about out-of-pocket costs or paying fees if the case is not successful.

May Jung Law Personal Injury Lawyers believe contingency fees are the best way to make legal help affordable for injured workers.

Hourly Fees

Some lawyers charge by the hour for their services. This means you pay for the time your lawyer spends working on your case. Hourly fees are less common in workers' comp cases because they can quickly become expensive, especially if the case takes a long time to resolve.

Hourly fees also require clients to pay as the case progresses, which can be a challenge for those already dealing with medical bills or lost wages. For this reason, many injured workers prefer lawyers who use contingency fees instead.

Flat Fees

In some situations, lawyers charge a flat fee for specific services. For example, preparing documents or representing you at a workers' comp hearing may have a set cost. Flat fees are predictable and can be helpful for smaller tasks.

However, flat fees may not be practical for cases that require ongoing work, such as disputes with the insurance company or appeals. May Jung Law Personal Injury Lawyers tailors our fee structure to match your needs, ensuring transparency and affordability.

Typical Percentage Rates

Most workers' comp lawyers charge a percentage of the settlement or benefits awarded. This percentage is often between 10% and 25%, depending on state regulations.

For example, if your settlement is $20,000 and your lawyer charges 15%, their attorney's fee would be $3,000. Some states limit these fees to protect clients from excessive charges. May Jung Law Personal Injury Lawyers follow all state rules and provide clear details about our fees upfront.

Benefits of Hiring a Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Working with a workers' compensation lawyer can provide many advantages that strengthen your case and ease the process:

  • Maximize Your Benefits: A lawyer ensures you receive all the workers' comp benefits you deserve, including compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and future care.
  • Handle Complex Cases: Lawyers are skilled at managing disputes, handling appeals, and resolving issues with the insurance company to protect your rights.
  • No Upfront Costs: Most workers' comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay unless they win your case, removing financial risk.
  • Gather Evidence: Lawyers collect critical evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and supporting documents, to build a strong claim.
  • Represent You in Hearings: If your case goes before a workers' compensation judge, they advocate for you to secure the best possible outcome.

Having a lawyer ensures you are supported throughout the entire process. We advocate for you in front of a workers' compensation judge or during settlement discussions.

When to Hire A Workers' Comp Lawyer

You should consider hiring a lawyer if you face challenges during your workers' comp claim. For example:

  • Your claim is denied: If the insurance company denies your claim, a lawyer can appeal the decision.
  • Your benefits are delayed or stopped: A lawyer ensures you receive the benefits you need without unnecessary delays.
  • Your settlement offer is too low: Lawyers help you negotiate a fair settlement that covers your needs, including medical bills and lost wages.
  • Your case goes to a hearing: If your case requires a hearing before a workers' compensation judge, a lawyer can represent you and build a strong argument.

Hiring a lawyer early can save time and increase your chances of success.

Advantages of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Advantages a hiring a workers compensation lawyer

Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer offers several key benefits that can greatly impact your case:

  • Expert Negotiation: Lawyers handle direct communication with the insurance company, ensuring you receive the best possible settlement or benefits.
  • Stronger Evidence: They collect and organize important documents, such as medical records, to build a solid case. This increases your chances of success.
  • Legal Knowledge: Lawyers understand the Workers' Compensation Act and specific state regulations. This ensures your claim is handled correctly and complies with all legal requirements.
  • Peace of Mind: A lawyer takes care of the legal process, from paperwork to negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

With the guidance of a skilled lawyer, you can confidently pursue the compensation you deserve without added stress.

FAQs

Most lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if they win your case. The fee is usually a percentage of your settlement.

No. Most workers comp lawyers don’t require costs upfront, making their services accessible for injured workers.

Yes. A lawyer can appeal a denied claim and represent you at a workers comp hearing.

Lawyers handle disputes involving medical records, ensuring all necessary evidence is included in your claim.

A lawyer increases your chances of success, helps secure the maximum workers' compensation benefits, and handles issues with the insurance company.

Contact Our Washington, D.C. Workers' Comp Lawyer for a Free Consultation

Contact our Washington D.C. workers comp lawyer for a free consultation

If you’re struggling with a workers' comp claim, our team at May Jung Law Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help. We understand the challenges injured workers face and are committed to securing the workers' compensation benefits you deserve.

Our services are designed to be affordable. We aim to keep workers' comp lawyer costs reasonable, so you don’t have to worry about financial strain. We also handle essential case expenses to ensure your claim moves forward smoothly. You won’t need to pay additional fees upfront, as we work on a contingency basis -- only getting paid if we win your case.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Let us help you get the support and benefits you need to recover and move forward.

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LaRuby May
PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER
LaRuby May, born in Pensacola, Florida, to Reverend Theophilus May and Mary J. May, has been a changemaker for over 30 years. As a lawyer, entrepreneur, developer, teacher, and strategist, she co-founded the May Jung law firm with Je Yon Jung to advocate for people of color and empower their participation in the civil justice system.
Previously, she was a founding member of May Lightfoot, PLLC, representing clients in worker’s compensation and complex litigation. A founding board member of Shades of Mass, she also belongs to the National Bar Association, Women’s Bar Association, and UDC Law Hall of Fame.

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