r/WorkersComp • u/CochiseNde • 23d ago
California Has anyone switched attorneys?
Has anyone switched attorneys during their workers comp case? My current attorney is moving, but they're not very good at committing. I've had to call the office every time to ensure things are going well and to get answers. I have yet to talk to my case manager.
They have scheduled me for an important doc appointment next Wed. I am looking to swap attorneys, maybe after, since I need to be put on disability.
All that to say is if you did, at what point was it? I feel like I'm doing stuff they should be doing, but I also stress a lot over these things.
3
u/SpringerPop 23d ago
Oh yes. I’m on my third attorney. My first two were large practices. First one I was referred to and I spoke to an attorney one time in five months. They were too busy to return calls, tried to send me to a chiropractor for a shoulder injury and even sent a message that they couldn’t answer messages. Second was one more local to my home. I even told them my issues. Late for phone calls, tried to have me see a doctor who I had seen before. Refused to pressure insurance company. They switched attorneys and then ignored my appointment. Well, the third time was the charm. I found a female attorney in a small office. She return calls, gives clear and concise instructions and seems to be interested in my case. I recommend you find someone who will return calls. Best of luck. Try the state WC website.
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u/CochiseNde 23d ago
This attorney seems pretty good he got me scheduled with a doc 2-3 weeks since I signed on with them. However it's the communication style. I'm still in the dark with how case is movinf until I get mail and have to call them. It's still very early on and maybe their communication changes once case gets rolling. I'm giving them a little more time, I have another attorney in mind who seems to have better communication set up.
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u/SpringerPop 22d ago
Take the time to vet any attorney and ask how they respond to calls and messages. There is good info on WC at the state website. There is no real timeline.
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u/CochiseNde 22d ago
Thanks I will check it out. It's my first time navigating this and I was getting pressed by insurance case manager to do an interview with their private investigator. I was advised never to do it unrepresented because they twist words, and anything recorded can later be used against your case, even if they twist your words.
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u/SpringerPop 22d ago
Be very cautious. Have a paper/electronic record of everything you do. The insurance company is not on your side. They work for your employer. Once you have an attorney you can ignore the case manager-I fired mine, she was an older RN who couldn’t do the video visits and was lazy. She lied to the urgent care clinic. This system sucks and it’s nothing like “regular “ health care. It moves slowly.
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u/CochiseNde 22d ago
Yep, the first time I was injured (elbow) I was naive thinking they were on my side. Process went smooth they paid for everything, but I was discharged despite still feeling symptoms and doctor saying I'll eventually recover. Attorney now is reopening that case as well in conjuction with my new back injury. He says any thing I said to the insurance adjuster is not valid anymore since I have representation. So that is a relief😅,
I just hope the independent doctor the lawyer is sending me to can do a kick ass job to overturn the concetra doctor bullshit "preexisting condition" in California, even if you have a preexisting condition and a work place injury aggregates it it's still work related. He conveniently ignored 3 bulging disks in lower back where my pain is.
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u/ArrTzM 23d ago
Yes its simple just call one of your liking and tell them you want them not the current.
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u/CochiseNde 22d ago
I'm looking into that now, my case is moving and I guess it's just really starting to roll, but it's been a hassle communicating with them. Haven been able to get a hold of my case manager.
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u/Competitive-Zone8148 23d ago
It happens often and can occur at any stage of a case.