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: Legal Advice Needed

MindBomber
04-05-2012, 06:22 PM
If there are any lawyers on the forum, I would be very appreciative of a bit of advice if possible.

I'm not looking for extensive advice, just to know if I have a case worthwhile pursuing. If it is worth pursuing, I would happily meet you at your office for a more in depth discussion at standard rates.

I would rather not go into extensive details here, but here's the basics.

Following an injury at work in 2009 I spent 19 months in rehab, at the conclusion of which I was deemed permanently disabled. The disability decision includes permanent chronic pain, walking, lifting and general movement restrictions, the percentage of total disability is currently set at 4.3%. I'm not happy with the 4.3% figure due to the severity of the restrictions and the impact they have on my life. I can communicate the specifics via pm.

I've heard wcb is more difficult to fight than icbc, what's the likelihood of success if I appeal?
If I appeal, approximately how much higher could I have the disability award raised?
How extensive would the legal costs be?

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer a bit of help.
Lomac
04-05-2012, 06:37 PM
Rick McMullan « Our Lawyers « Campbell Burton McMullan LLP — Lawyers — Langley, Surrey, Aldergrove, Abbotsford, Maple Ridge, Chilliwack (http://www.cbmlawyers.com/our-lawyers/rick-mcmullan/)

Rick used to be my next door neighbour for many years, is my family's lawyer, and, more importantly, is also a highly experienced personal injury lawyer. He'll be able to handle anything you throw at him.
PornMaster
04-05-2012, 06:37 PM
Wcb is really hard to fight compared to icbc. However there is a threshold of time to fight the claim, get a lawyer ASAP
MindBomber
04-05-2012, 06:40 PM
Wcb is really hard to fight compared to icbc. However there is a threshold of time to fight the claim, get a lawyer ASAP

That's what I've heard, unfortunately.

I still have another 6-7 weeks to file my first appeal.
bcrdukes
04-05-2012, 07:47 PM
My own and my mother's experience:

WCB is the Devil. ICBC are saints in comparison. Never will I deal with WCB - ever.

Good luck.
static
04-06-2012, 09:07 AM
lawyer up, this sounds like its a long term problem. Last thing you want to do is forget about the filing date and get permanently fucked. ALSO, the later you wait, the less time your attorney has to prepare stuff.

[coles notes - lawyer up.]
RabidRat
04-06-2012, 10:27 AM
^ good point, your lawyer prolly needs time to prepare.

Hopefully a lawyer will chime in and answer your question.
Raid3n
04-06-2012, 10:45 AM
just talk to the lawyer straight off, usually i don't think you pay for them to hear your story and see if they want the case or not.
Eastwood
04-06-2012, 10:59 AM
I don't know... You type surprisingly well for someone who is completely disabled.
Ronin
04-06-2012, 11:53 AM
I don't know... You type surprisingly well for someone who is completely disabled.

:suspicious:

Stephen Hawking can "type" quite well too...technically.
StylinRed
04-06-2012, 12:13 PM
as others have remarked on speed is of the essence; you really should have lawyered up the moment the injury occurred.

wcb can be difficult but fortunately appeals are available and appeals of the appeals and reopening closed cases

pm'd some suggestions
tool001
04-06-2012, 12:20 PM
Dealt with wcb long time ago. Lawyer up. My company deals with wcb all the time (health care trust/ services provider) . Last time I was injured, I asked legal dept in my company to recommend lawyer, they gave me a few names, said they were best in getting compensation for thr clients. I'll check on Tuesdays when I go to work
NLY
04-06-2012, 01:01 PM
Dates/Physical evidence are VERY IMPORTANT

I Pm'ed you some information.
Ferra
04-10-2012, 09:22 AM
I always wonder who ends up paying for the lawyer bills when fighting against insurance and organization like WCB...

i.e. i know lawyers fee can easily amount to tens of thousands of dollars even for a small and basic case.
Energy
04-10-2012, 10:49 AM
If you win the judge can award you costs which pay for part or all of the legal fees.
MindBomber
04-10-2012, 11:06 AM
just talk to the lawyer straight off, usually i don't think you pay for them to hear your story and see if they want the case or not.

Most of them charge a minimum $90 fee just to hear my story. Unfortunate, but I think it's because everyone approaches ICBC and WCB cases and potential jackpots. In reality, I've lost more in 2011 alone than my total settlement :(

I don't know... You type surprisingly well for someone who is completely disabled.

:seriously:

It's a chronic pain and mobility issue, not mental.