- Hire an attorney who represents injured workers and regularly appears before the Indiana Worker’s Compensation Board.
- You aren’t required to have a lawyer, but one matters most when a claim is denied, disputed or involves a serious injury.
- Attorney fees are set by Indiana law, and you have just 30 days to notify your employer.
Who should I hire for a workers’ compensation claim in Indiana?
Look for a lawyer who handles injured workers’ claims and knows the Board’s process. You may not need one at all, though, so let’s start there.
Do You Need a Lawyer at All?
Not always. If your employer accepts the injury, your treatment is approved, and you’re back at work, the claim may run smoothly on its own.
Things change when the insurer denies the claim, disputes your treatment or impairment rating, or offers a settlement that doesn’t seem to cover your future care.
That’s when the right lawyer can make a real difference. Insurers handle these claims every day, while most injured workers file one for the first time.
A lawyer evens that out by gathering medical evidence, pushing back on low impairment ratings, and telling you honestly when an offer is fair.
What to Look For
1. They represent workers
Some firms mostly defend employers and insurers. Ask whether workers’ compensation is a core part of the practice, and how many cases like yours they’ve handled.
2. They know the Board’s process
Disputed claims go through the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board, not a regular court, with informal conferences, mediation, and hearings. Ask how often the firm appears there.
3. The fee is set by statute
Under Indiana’s attorney fee schedule (IC 22-3-1-4), fees generally follow these limits:
- A $200 minimum fee
- 20% of the first $50,000 recovered
- 15% of amounts above $50,000
- 10% of unpaid medical bills, out-of-pocket costs, and future medical expenses
The Board keeps jurisdiction over fees, so a firm that quotes something very different deserves a question.
4. They communicate clearly
Workers’ comp cases can last months or years. Choose a firm that returns calls, explains each step in plain language, and tells you who will actually handle your file.
If the first consultation feels rushed, that’s useful information.
5. They look beyond the comp claim
Workers’ compensation usually stops you from suing your employer, but it doesn’t always stop a claim against someone else.
If a defective machine, a subcontractor, or a negligent driver contributed to the injury, a good lawyer will spot it early.
When Is It Worth Hiring One?
| Situation | Why a lawyer helps |
|---|---|
| Your claim was denied | Challenging a denial means filing with the Board and building evidence. |
| Dispute over treatment or impairment | Ratings and doctor opinions directly affect what you’re paid. |
| Serious or permanent injury | Long-term care and lost earning ability raise the stakes. |
| A settlement offer arrives | Settling can close your claim, so check the number first. |
| A third party was involved | A negligent vendor or driver may mean a separate injury claim. |
Deadlines to Know
- 30 days: notify your employer of the injury.
- 2 years: file an Application for Adjustment of Claim with the Board.
- 30 days: appeal a hearing decision to the full Board.
Missing the first one can put your whole claim at risk, so report the injury in writing and keep a copy, even if it seems minor.
Questions to Ask in a First Consultation
Who Can Help With a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Indiana?
Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates, P.C.
Sarkisian Sarkisian & Associates is a Northwest Indiana firm with offices in Portage, Valparaiso, and Highland. Its workers’ compensation page describes representing injured workers, and the firm says it receives no payment unless it secures a recovery.
It offers a free consultation. Attorney Gregory J. Sarkisian was licensed in 1975 and is listed on his Super Lawyers profile as selected from 2021 to 2026. The firm can be reached at 219-248-2890 or through its contact page.
Best for: Northwest Indiana workers who want a local firm focused on injury claims. It isn’t the only good option. Interview a couple of firms, ask the questions above, and choose the one that answers them plainly.
Conclusion
The right hire is a lawyer who represents workers, knows the Board and explains fees clearly. If your claim is simple, you may not need one.
If it’s denied, disputed, or serious, get advice early, because the 30-day and two-year deadlines don’t wait.
Explore more articles about Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who should I hire for a workers’ compensation claim in Indiana?
A lawyer who represents injured workers and regularly handles claims before the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board.
2. Do I need a lawyer for workers’ comp in Indiana?
No, but it helps if your claim is denied, disputed, or involves a serious injury.
3. How much does a workers’ comp lawyer cost in Indiana?
Fees are set by statute: generally 20% of the first $50,000 and 15% above that, with a $200 minimum.
4. How long do I have to report an injury?
You must notify your employer within 30 days.
5. How long do I have to file a claim with the Board?
Generally two years to file an Application for Adjustment of Claim.
Editorial note: Sources checked on November 4, 2026. This article is general information, not legal advice.
