1. Who pays my attorney?
Rhode Island law requires the insurance company to pay
the injured worker’s attorney for successfully representing the injured
worker in court. Typically, attorneys don’t charge injured workers for
any work at all except in cases of settlement. If a case settles, the
attorney’s fee is limited to 20% of the settlement.
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2. Do I need an attorney?
It’s never too soon to speak with an attorney after
you’ve been injured to make sure that your rights are protected.
Workers’ compensation cases can become difficult for injured workers,
especially as claims get older and the interests of the injured worker
and the insurance company begin to diverge. All sorts of problems may
arise between you and the insurance company ranging from denials of
medical treatment to attempts by the insurance company to reduce or
discontinue your benefits. The typical injured worker does not know the
law whereas insurance companies know the workers’ compensation system
very well. An attorney will educate you about your rights and
obligations under the law, as well as those of the insurance company, so
you can make good decisions about your case. Your attorney will support
you in enforcing your rights, explaining your obligations, and
protecting your from any trouble that may come from the insurance
company. Most attorneys don’t charge any fee unless you settle so it is
usually good sense to have an attorney on your side to protect your
rights.
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3. Can I switch attorneys?
Yes. You can always switch to a new attorney without it costing
you any
money. Your new attorney will share any fee he or she receives with your
former attorney as payment for services rendered.
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