Injuries within one’s scope of employment are quite common. According to research, more than three million non- fatal injuries take place when working. Work injuries can be sudden injuries like burns or falling off a ladder. They could also be long term in cases where there is repetitive motion leading to an injury. For example, work that involves lifting of heavy boxes at work over a long period may lead to a back injury. These injuries could also be occupational diseases such as cancer due to exposure to things like radiation in the scope of work. These injuries may affect one negatively and even may cause them to stop working, hence becoming a burden to both the employee and the family due to pilling up of bills.
In Portland OR, workers’ compensation is insurance giving a replacement of wage and related medical benefits to employees who are injured as they work. Though it may sound simple, getting this compensation can be tiring and stressful to the worker and may end up taking quite a long time. Hence, most workers prefer hiring a qualified worker’s compensation attorney who makes the process simple and short. Here are some of the qualifications needed for anyone aspiring to become a workers compensation law attorney portland or.
Bachelor’s Degree Program
For one to become a workers’ compensation attorney in Portland OR, they should have done a bachelor’s degree program which takes three years. It is after this program that one goes to the school of law and earns another degree in law. Most schools offer courses related to workers’ compensation law, and some even have entire degree programs dedicated to employment and labor law.
Law School Admission Test
Before applying to law schools, future worker’s compensation lawyers must take the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT). The LSAT is used to measure applicants’ logical, reading, and analysis abilities by all law schools that are approved by the American Bar Association. The LSAT is an essential factor that law schools look at when deciding to admit new students, so scoring high is crucial.
Law degree programs usually take three years of full-time study. Since law schools are selective in their admissions process, it is imperative that aspiring worker’s compensation lawyers maintain a high-grade point average during their undergraduate studies. With such, they can be able to handle the legal procedures adeptly.
Bar Exam
Having attended law school, prospective workers’ compensation lawyers must take the bar exam for the state in which they hope to practice before they’re allowed to practice law or represent clients formally. The bar exam tests the law school graduates on various legal topics to ensure they are fit to be officially licensed as lawyers. Some state exams have areas dedicated explicitly to the area of workers’ comp law. Once one has passed the bar exam, he is awarded a license to practice and can look for employment.
In conclusion, workers’ compensation lawyers focus on cases involving employee injury claims from the workplace. They may represent the employee or a business in cases relating to injuries. Therefore, if you get injured at work, be quick to engage a workers’ compensation attorney.