Getting a Second Legal Opinion in Your Chicago Workers’ Compensation Case

When people think of second opinions, often, they think of medical second opinions. However, second opinions are not only reserved for the medical field. You can also get a second legal opinion. If you suffered a work-related injury or illness and hired an attorney to help you with your workers’ compensation claim, some situations may require you to seek a second legal opinion. When you hired your attorney, the goal was to work with them from the start to the end. However, if the lawyer is not doing what they are supposed to be doing or acting the way they are supposed to be acting, it may be time for you to fire them. However, before replacing your workers’ compensation lawyer, it may be a good idea for you to seek a second legal opinion. Below, we discuss what a second legal opinion is and when you should consider getting a second legal opinion.

What Is a Second Legal Opinion?

A second legal opinion is another lawyer’s opinion on how your current attorney is handling your case. It is another evaluation of your case alongside your current lawyer’s. A second legal opinion is a good option if you have a workers’ compensation attorney you feel you are no longer interested in working with. An unbiased second legal opinion can provide valuable insights into the current direction of your workers’ compensation case. It can help you decide if firing your current attorney is the best thing to do.

When Should You Consider Getting a Second Legal Opinion?

The following are some of the circumstances when you may wish to consider getting a second legal opinion;

You Doubt Your Lawyer’s Competence and Abilities

The first circumstance that may mean it is time to seek a second legal opinion is if you doubt your lawyer’s competence and abilities. For instance, it may be time to seek a second legal opinion if you are having difficulty communicating with your current attorney. If your current attorney is not explaining your legal options to you in a clear manner, it may be time for you to seek a second legal opinion. It may also be time to seek a second legal opinion if your case is moving too slowly.

You Believe There May Be a Conflict of Interest

Every attorney has a legal obligation to avoid conflicts of interest when it comes to their clients. If you believe your current workers’ compensation attorney is representing you, knowing there is a conflict of interest, you should highly consider seeking a second legal opinion.

You Believe Your Lawyer Does Not Care About Your Case

Your workers’ compensation lawyer must zealously advocate for you, communicate with you regularly, and provide counsel. If you feel your lawyer does not care about your case, a second legal opinion could be a good idea. A second legal opinion can help you determine if your current attorney has put the necessary time and effort into helping you with your case.

You Don’t Trust Your Attorney’s Judgment

If you do not trust your attorney’s judgment, it may be a good idea to seek a second opinion and see if the other attorney offers the same judgment.

Contact a Chicago Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you need a second legal opinion about your workers’ compensation case and current workers’ compensation attorney, contact our experienced and dedicated Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer at Connolly Injury Law.

Source:

law.cornell.edu/wex/workers_compensation