James W Wessel Law Offices

My case is a cumulative injury claim for torn Labrum Tissue in both shoulders.Upon my initial consultation I was advised I had a cumulative injury claim and they would file the claim with the employers I worked for in the last year.

They only filed the claim with the last employer and it took 2 years for the rest to even acknowledge a claim against them,never referred me to treatment even when I chose to pay for all my medical myself and once I went to schedule surgery only then told me I had to use a Dr. In network to be eligible for reimbursement causing me to start the process over.Still did not refer me to an eligible Dr.Which I finally found off the list we were given to choose a QME.Surgery and rehab all done and the attorney tells my Dr to evaluate me for return to duty

My questions are do attorneys usually not go after all parties in the claim or do what mine did and string it out for years?

Do attorneys have any obligation to lead their clients to Doctors who qualify for reimbursement when the client chooses to self pay and they are informed at every step of the way?

Do attorneys have any obligation to lead their clients to financial help such as state disability or health insurance even though it is a workmans comp case since they are the ones with the knowledge that those things are assesible through a lein on the claim?

It's unfortunate to hear about your experience with your attorney in handling your cumulative injury claim. Cumulative injuries can be complicated and may involve multiple employers and insurance companies, so it's not uncommon for these claims to take some time to resolve. However, it sounds like your attorney may have fallen short in their obligations to represent you effectively.

Possible Solutions

To answer your first question, it's standard practice for attorneys to pursue all parties involved in a cumulative injury claim. If your attorney only filed a claim against your last employer and failed to pursue other potential sources of compensation, it's possible that they may have neglected their duties to you as a client. In terms of finding eligible doctors and providing guidance on financial assistance, it's also reasonable to expect your attorney to help you navigate these issues. If your attorney failed to provide this assistance, you may want to consider finding a new attorney who can better represent your interests.

External Reviews

It can be helpful to look at external reviews of your attorney to see if others have had similar experiences. Below is a table of reviews for your attorney on various websites:

As you can see, the reviews are mixed, but overall, your attorney has received lower ratings than average.

Fees and Costs

Legal fees can be a concern for clients in any case, and it's important to understand what costs are associated with various issues and services in your area. Below is a table of estimated fees and costs for common services in your location:

These fees and costs are estimates only and can vary depending on your location and the complexity of your case.

Related Authorities

It's always a good idea to consult with authorities on legal matters to get the most up-to-date and accurate information. You may find the following links helpful:

• ExploreLawyers.com: A legal directory that can help you find a new attorney if you're unsatisfied with your current representation.
• California Department of Industrial Relations: Information on California workers' compensation laws and regulations.

Disclaimer

Please note that this response is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. You should always consult with a licensed attorney in your area for specific advice on your legal matter.