Although the general principle that guides the administration of workers' compensation cases is similar throughout the United States, the body of laws and the formal procedures that dictate the process in each state is unique. Furthermore, this hotly contested area of law can be very confusing to outsiders with little legal experience. As such, it is important to familiarize yourself with the laws that govern the workers' compensation process in your jurisdiction before initiating a claim. If you have questions about the process, it may be beneficial to seek assistance from an expert who has extensive experience dealing with the laws in your area. Many injured workers turn to representatives of their union for legal advice and referrals to experienced attorneys. Alternately, you can request a list of the attorneys who specialize in workers' comp law in your community, or request a consultation with the legal representative of a local workers' rights organization.