Retaining an attorney simply for a deposition or for the whole case??

[johnnie2]

Jurisdiction/Place: USA – California
A person got injured at work and has been declared permanent and stationary by a few doctors. The rating impairment is fairly low. The person had suffered an injury to their lower back where it has been slightly dislocated. The case has been going on for nearly 5 years, and is finally reaching the point of deposition. I am not sure if the company where the client got injured wants to settle or not, because after the injury, the client still pursued to look for employment because the original company that the client was working at, did not give them partial temporary disability money that was due to them, until a year later, which was still a very small lump sum. The client had no source of income where they were forced to look for employment on their own. The client does not have representation for the deposition or an attorney for this case at all and is not fluent in English. Should the client retain an attorney for the whole matter or just for the deposition?

 

[army judge]

Well, if English is a problem for this individual, I suggest he at least have a certified translator present to make sure he understands fully and completely what he is being asked and that his answers get translated correctly.

He might wish to consult with an attorney would ensure that a translator is present.

If this is a workers comp case, the expense of the attorney and translator will eventually be borne by the employer and the state.

 

[johnnie2]

Thanks for the response Army Judge, i really appreciate it. The individual does have an professional interpretor but is still finding difficulty understanding everything. I have personally been their when meetings were held, and the interpretor did not translate everything that was said.

My biggest question is whether or not, he should obtain an attorney to simply take this case or just for the deposition itself. The individual has done a lot by himself already, and if all the attorney is going to do is sign a few documents, i would not rather not bother. How would i be certain whether or not how extensive this case is to actually obtain an attorney?

Also, have you had a lot of experience with workers comp army? If so, can you please share with me some of the possible outcomes that you have seen in situations like the one i presented? thank you in advance, i really appreciate your response.

 

[army judge]

I suggest your friend speak with a couple local workers comp attorneys. The initial consult is free. The attorney selected would be paid by the state, not directly by the client.

Anything I say could mislead or confuse you. Your case is unique and requires unique attention. As far as what
the attorney will do, if one is hired, please discuss that with the attorneys you meet. Make sure you understand who will do what and when.

 

[johnnie2]

Army judge, can your refer me to a source that can direct me to the available attorneys that are located in my area that deals with workers compensation cases and can speak a certain language. I tried googling it, but figured you would probably know a few at the top of your head.

 

[army judge]

Army judge, can your refer me to a source that can direct me to the available attorneys that are located in my area that deals with workers compensation cases and can speak a certain language. I tried googling it, but figured you would probably know a few at the top of your head.

You can look for a few on this website.
The website owners provide a referral section.
Otherwise, look in the Yellow Pages, ask friends and neighbors, co-workers, or relatives.