When you need representation in a workers compensation case, you want to hire an experienced attorney. There are several reasons why it is better to hire a lawyer than a self-employed paralegal or to represent yourself:
1. An attorney cannot charge an injured worker fees.
It is against the law for an attorney to charge an injured worker fees. If the case is successful, the attorney will be paid by the insurance company at the end of it. Either the attorney will be paid when the case settles or when the Board issues a decision. The fees that the attorney earns are in addition to the award made to the employee.
Paralegals charge money up front, win, lose, or draw.
2. An attorney will pursue your case efficiently.
Sometimes a case needs to be litigated with numerous petitions. For instance, if the employer’s attorney asks for a medical or employment release that is improper, a petition for protective order needs to be filed to protect the employee’s rights. An experience attorney will know when a petition is necessary. The attorney won’t waste the Board’s time with frivolous filings.
3. An attorney will be current on the law.
Workers compensation attorneys attend an annual seminar reviewing all the legal developments. They also attend monthly meetings addressing current issues in depth.
4. An attorney’s conduct is governed by ethics.
An Alaska attorney is governed by the Alaska Rules of Professional Conduct. If someone suspects he or she has violated these rules, a complaint can be lodged with the Alaska Bar Association. The Bar will investigate and make a decision on the complaint which can lead to discipline such as suspension or disbarment.
No one oversees paralegals.
5. You can check an attorney’s experience.
If you’re curious as to the cases a specific attorney has won or lost. Go to the Alaska Workers Compensation Board's website: Alaska Workers' Compensation Board
Select "Legal Research" in the right hand menu.
Select Search Alaska Supreme Court Opinions or Search Board Decisions and Orders or Commission Final Decisions and Memorandum Decisions. When you have, plug the name of the attorney you are researching into the window. Every case that attorney is mentioned in will appear with links so you can read the decision.
For more information about some of the cases I have won, check out these posts:
Past Verdicts and Settlement: http://www.keenanpowell.com/past-verdicts-settlements
2017-2018 Never Give Up. Never Surrender. - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
2019: Never Give Up, Never Surrender - 2019 Victories - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
2020: Never Give Up, Never Surrender 2020! - Keenan Powell, Attorney at Law
Keenan Powell has practiced Workers Compensation law in the State of Alaska for over 35 years and has dedicated her practice to Workers Compensation representing injured Alaskans handling hundreds of cases. www.keenanpowell.com
All consultations are free. To make an appointment, email: keenan@keenanpowell.com or call: 907 258 7663.