The following are the 7 most important factors to consider.

Specialty. Make sure the lawyer or firm you select is a specialist in Workers' Compensation Law. This is a complex specialty. A lawyer or firm with a "part time" focus on Workers' Compensation law will not be able to give you the best advice. Because employment law in Pennsylvania is so complex, many lawyers have been lured into the ring seeking a new business opportunity. Make sure your firm has already “paid its dues” and is not learning off your back

Beware of divided loyalties. Make sure your lawyer specializes in representing workers only. A firm that works for employers one day and employees the next day will not be the best advocate for you.

Track Record. Look for a firm with a long and distinguished record of documented success. A capable and reputable firm will provide the names and numbers of several workers they have successfully represented. If you are allowed-and encouraged-to talk to several workers who have been successfully represented, you will know you are in good hands.

Financial Strength. Your lawyer or firm should be able and willing to work on a contingency basis. This means that they get paid only when they succeed in winning a settlement for you.

Longevity. It would be wise to work with a firm with at least twenty years experience in Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation law. Such a firm will be in a position to negotiate effectively on your behalf with both insurers and employers. With twenty years under their belts, they will not be fooled by the kind of tricks and ploys that work on less experienced lawyers. Insurers and employers will know that they can't get away with certain things and won't even try.

Openness. Look for a firm that has made a commitment to be a leader in educating workers about their rights and options. Many law firms like to leave their clients in the dark. The most confident and successful lawyers believe that their client has the right to know all the pertinent information about the law and is willing to make that information available.

Respect. Look for a Workers' Compensation firm who treats you like a friend and makes sure you always know what's going on in your case. Don't settle for a firm that won't take your calls once they get your case. A good firm will not only take your calls; they will call you first.