Most workers’ compensation attorneys will provide a free initial consultation and will not charge a fee until your employer’s insurer has done something affirmative to suspend, change or terminate your benefits. If you qualify for workers' compensation, all approved medical bills will be paid in addition to any temporary or permanent disability compensation that you are entitled to. Furthermore, if an attorney handles your case, they will do so on a contingency basis (usually this is required by statute) and they will not charge you anything unless they make a recovery for you. The fees are relatively small, usually 10% - 25% of the award, depending on your state’s law. An attorney may not collect a fee without first submitting it to a workers’ compensation judge for approval, so there is some safeguard that you will not be charged more than what is fair.

(Reviewed 9-08)