Legal Issues - Attorneys
The legal aspect of the negotiations with the responsible agencies must be done with much care and planning. For an incompetent or not very interested attorney can make or break your case. And - it must be ascertained that the attorney is not in the employ of the responsible agencies - and never has been. However - an attorney that was formerly in the employ of these agencies - and has departed a bitter man - could be worth his weight in gold. So - to be considered very carefully.
As you compile records - all should be copied so that you retain the master - and a working copy for your self to use in the hearing. A copy for your attorney and a few extra copies for those that attend the hearing and are not prepared with your records and one copy for the judge.
Interview the attorney that you select to represent you in your dealings with the responsible agencies. Interview other patients that have been through this process as well. Perhaps you may obtain some good references as a result of these interviews. Certainly - at least - you will obtain some insight into the process. Call the injured workers' groups in your state and ask them. Ask your union. And do not forget that greatest source reference of all time - search the Internet for attorneys that specialize in workman's compensation cases in your area. Before your hearing - it may be best avail yourself of the reference links below or to any other court records of workman's compensation hearings - to gain insight to the records of actual court cases specifically regarding the proceedings of patients with work related injuries that resulted in RSD - before the Workers Compensation Board. By studying these cases closely, you will see the difference in the outcome of those that were well prepared contrasted to those that were not so prepared. Make sure that all of your records are complete and up to date. Ensure that all expenses of all kinds are recorded - from the date of injury - including mileage, co-pay for care and medication. It is best to confer with your attorney to produce a list of all needed future expenditures for medical care, lost wages - medications and similarly related items. Make copies of any outstanding bills that are yet be paid. Discuss the case with your attorney before the hearing. Ensure that he devotes sufficient time so that you are both in harmony regarding your strategy. Remember - your attorney is your employee. Your attorney is being paid to perform. Ensure that this is so. Give your attorney copies of your records and discuss the importance and priority of each. Ensure that all pending issues of importance will be cited during the hearing.
