One of the questions that often leads people to my Worker's Compensation website is whether it is worth it to hire a St. Louis Worker's Compensation lawyer.  Essentially, what I think people want to know is whether they'll be getting bang for their buck.  First, as a St. Louis Workman's Comp attorney, I'll be the first to tell you that not everyone needs a lawyer.  However, given that, I do think that everyone injured on the job who has received some treatment, should at least consult with a Worker's Comp lawyer.  First off, it's always free to talk with a Worker's Compensation attorney about your case.  At least that's my policy.  Right up front, I'll tell you whether you will be better off handling the case on your own.  I understand some people's skepticism that they may think I'll tell them they'll need a lawyer even when they don't.  However, I can promise you this is not true.  Look, I am not going to waste my time, money, and energy on a case that doesn't need my involvement.  Not only is it bad business and I'll never get any future referrals from that client, but there's also no incentive for me from a business perspective.  That being said, hopefully you will trust me when I tell you whether or not your Worker's Compensation case needs a lawyer.  The next thing people want to know is how much will a lawyer cost and is it worth it.  Virtually every Missouri Workman's Comp attorney works on the same fee basis.  We take 25% of whatever we recover for you at the end of your case.  Illinois Worker's Compensation Lawyers take 20%.  Thus, there is no retainer required and I don't send out any type of monthly invoice.  Basically, I get paid when you get paid and I don't get paid if you don't either.  In addition to the fees, our firm pays all of the expenses necessary to prosecute the claim along the way and they get reimbursed as an expense at the end too.  Thus, there is no financial risk to hiring a St. Louis Worker's Compensation attorney.  However, what you need to know is if it is worth it.  Well, consider that within the past couple years there was a study published in the Missouri Lawyer's Weekly which found that injured workers without lawyers obtained on average 50% less than those with lawyers.  I think this margin is even greater for those with serious injuries that require surgery.  The end result is that injured workers, who hire a lawyer, statistically, are always going to be better off than if they try and handle the claims themselves.  Besides the fact that I should be able to settle your claim for much more than you can on your own, there is an additional benefit in having the peace of mind that a professional is handling your case and the insurance company is not taking advantage of you without you even knowing what's proper and what's not.

But even if you're not ready to talk to a lawyer just yet, at least order The Ultimate Missouri Worker's Compensation Book.  This is a book that I've written and published, and not only does it explain how the system is supposed to work but also how it works in real life.  Even if you decide to handle the claim on your own or with another attorney, you know what you're up against. 

However, if you would like to talk to me about your claim, feel free to call me at 314-720-2706 or contact me through my website.  Again, it's always free to talk about a case and I'll be brutally honest with you about whether you need me or not.