There are many protections in place to ensure that a Pennsylvania workers' comp lawyer won't bill you for advice you do not need. First, attorneys are bound by a code of ethics to make their fees known up front, so you'll know exactly what you are getting into. Second, under Pennsylvania law, any fees paid to an attorney based on a workers comp claim settling must be approved by a workers compensation judge. Third, most PA workers comp lawyers will offer an initial free consultation so they can evaluate your case, give you advice on whether you have a good case or not, and let you know how they can help you. Finally, most PA workers comp lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means they do not get paid any money at all unless you win a claim and receive your workers comp settlement.
Most people aren't familiar with the many rules and regulations that govern the workers comp system. There are many, many different requirements on everything from what forms need to be submitted for reimbursement of medical bills to how to dispute improper denials of claims or insufficient payments of benefits. Because there are so many rules, it is imperative that you have a legal professional on your side. A lawyer can help you to navigate through the administrative law system that sets the rules for workers comp and that oversees the system of remedies. Your lawyer will also assist you in interacting properly with your employer and insurer and with meeting all the requirements for a claim. By working with a lawyer, you have the best chance of recovering the largest amount of damages possible - a very important benefit, since workers comp is an exclusive remedy system and thus your only means of recovering any money based on your work related injury.