I can't tell you how many "do it yerselfers" I have show up at my offices, but hey God Bless if it worked out so well for you.
ya you're right he should pay a lawyer 20% for what he can easily do his self.
i've had 3 work comps in my 52 years. 2 knee injury that both required the same surgery and one back injury.
i did one knee and the back my self and hired an attorney for the other knee injury. i got basically the same settlement on both knee injury , but had to pay the lawyer 20% on the one he did plus all expense's came out of my part.
there are many things you need an attorney for, work comp isn't one unless the insurance company is fighting you on it