Saturday, March 17, 2018

Do NOT Hire A Minnesota Work Comp Lawyer Who Is A Poser or Dabbles In The Law

The Minnesota workers compensation bar (the lawyers who regularly practice workers compensation law) is a very small group made up of a few dozen lawyers.  However, there are many more lawyers who handle other types of cases including family law, immigration, bankruptcy and criminal law who occasionally handle a Minnesota workers compensation case.  You may wonder how they can possibly keep up with the ever changing laws in order to properly represent their client.  The answer is they don't and they can't.

The Dabbler

For over 25 years I've practiced exclusively in workers compensation.  Many years ago, I also represented insurance companies and employers; I don't anymore.  I would often come across these "dabbler" lawyers as I called them who would actually ask me to teach them how to handle a work comp case.  In other words, an injured worker's lawyer asked the defense lawyer how to do best represent their client.  It's true, sadly it's true.  How do you think that turned out?  Not well for the client.

The Poser

Workers compensation laws are not uniform for injured workers across Minnesota.  Different dates of injury can result in dramatically different benefits and many lawyers don't know this simple fact.  What often happens is that an injured worker gets a referral from a family friend to a lawyer they know, or are drawn into a pretty website that states "Minnesota's Top Attorneys For Injured Workers".  Often some of these lawyers and law firms rarely, if ever, handle workers compensation cases.  For example, if you are considering representation by Fields Law Office, call the office and ask to speak to Steve Fields.  If you are already represented by Fields Law Office, ask that Steve Fields personally handle your case, attend your deposition and handle your hearing, and let me know how that goes.  Though there are lawyers at Fields that are dabblers, one would think that the firm namesake would regularly or even occasionally handle a workers compensation case himself.  Right?

Experience and personal attention matters.  Don't hire a "dabbler" and don't hire a "poser".  Hire a lawyer who personally handles workers compensation cases day in and day out.  One who meets clients, handles your deposition, and goes to court for you.  The lawyers of Atkinson Law Office are workers compensation Super Lawyers who have been recognized as such because we are experts in the field.  We try cases to hearing, the Workers Compensation Court of Appeals, and the Minnesota Supreme Court.  We are called upon by groups across the state to lecture and speak about workers compensation issues.  If you would like a Super Lawyer to represent you, contact Atkinson Law Office today at 651-333-3636.