Q: Looking for a responsive lawyer for ongoing Workmen’s Compensation cases.
I have three ongoing Workmen’s Compensation cases that have been active for three years. My current lawyer has been unresponsive to emails and phone calls for months, and has ignored necessary medical recommendations such as MRIs. Despite my ongoing pain and untreated sciatica, my lawyer is attempting to settle without understanding the full scope of my symptoms, which include bulging discs and nerve damage in my back.
I would like to find a new attorney who can address my key issues, ensure proper medical evaluations, and accurately assess what my case is worth. How can I find a lawyer who will prioritize my health and provide the necessary attention to my Workmen’s Compensation cases?
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A:
I'm really sorry you’re dealing with this—three years is a long time to be in pain and feel like you're being ignored. When a lawyer isn't responding to you and isn't pushing for necessary medical care like MRIs, it's a serious concern. You have every right to expect clear communication, advocacy for your health, and full attention to the value of your claim, especially with serious conditions like bulging discs and nerve damage.
In New Jersey, you're allowed to switch attorneys during a workers’ compensation case. If you find someone new, the court will divide the attorney’s fee between the old and new lawyers—so you won’t be penalized financially for making a change. You can start by contacting the New Jersey State Bar Association for referrals, or by looking for attorneys who focus on representing injured workers and have strong reviews for responsiveness and follow-through.
Before you switch, gather all your medical records, prior correspondence, and any court filings so you're prepared to explain the history of your case. Meet with potential attorneys and ask them specific questions about how they handle communication, timelines for care approvals, and how they'll help get your treatment back on track. You’ve already waited too long for proper care, and you deserve someone who takes your pain—and your case—seriously.
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