:(My claim is 6 years old. I was unrepresented for the 1st 4 yrs of the claim. Year 5 into the claim I was given 30 days notice that I would be terminated due to my work restrictions. As result of this, sudden, unexpected job loss and all that goes with that, I became severely depressed, etc., which then also became apart of my claim. The pressure put on me to settle my claim quickly was tremendous. I felt I needed to take a step back and seek guidance, thus retained an attorney. This attorneys' office has handled this claim for the past 14 mo+ during which time I became very ill. Our attorney/client communication was limited to a total of 3-4 office mtgs for updates. At every mtg, I asked when I would receive the rating. 2 mo ago, I was told they were sending all reports out to prof rater so they get the best rating possible given 3 separate body parts to be rated. I always knew what the insurance company was offering, they always felt we could "probably" do better. Last week I attended a MSC hearing. I got a completely different attitude from both my attorneys as they conferenced w/me separately before the hearing. The insurance company is consistent in their offer, but, now my attorneys state they just barely got a "private" rating back late the night before and it was very low.This is the rating I was told they sent for over 2 months ago. Something just does not compute. They refused to show me how it was rated or breakdown of rating,etc.. They began pressuring me to take the offer that has been on table for over this past year. Their behavior was so contrary to their past dealings with me. Something has changed for them in my claim, I am confused since the insurance co has not changed their offer. They are waiting for a counter. I know I will be paying the full 15% to them. I just can not go through as much effort emotionally as what I did at the hearing with my own attorneys. I am now able to do the foot work to finish out the claim. I think I have bought some time as, for other reasons my MSC has been continued until May. My question: How helpful are judges to unrepresented workers in hearings and trials if this goes on? Any other insights to this complicated situation? I am in California. Thanks for any comments or resources.