How To Choose The Personal Injury Lawyer For You
Choosing a personal injury lawyer that is right for you and your case is a critical decision. The attorney who represents you can be the difference between recovering fair compensation or none at all. Here are some tips to help you decide.
What To Look For in a Personal Injury Lawyer
Experience
It is best to pick an attorney who specializes in the specific type of personal injury law for your case. For instance, if your case involves medical malpractice, there are personal injury attorneys who know how to bring a claim against large medical providers and their insurance companies. Extensive experience in negotiating fair settlements, taking cases to trial experience, and navigating complex personal injury cases will also significantly increase your chances of success.
Successful Track Record
A solid track record of large settlements and awards is evidence of a dependable personal injury lawyer. However, beware of firms with a high turnover rate since they typically settle claims quickly for less than their value to avoid costly litigation and increase their profits.
No Upfront Fees
Personal injury attorneys typically accept cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you should not have to pay any upfront fees and only owe for their services if you win.
Time to Dedicate to Your Case
Ask the attorney you speak to in your consultation if they will be the one working on your case and, if not, then who. It is critical to know their experience and how many claims they handle at a time to ensure they can dedicate personal attention to your case.
How to Find a Personal Injury Lawyer
When you begin your search for a personal injury lawyer, there are various resources that can help you narrow down your choices. Those include:
Friends and Family
A recommendation from a trusted relative, friend, or coworker is one of the best ways to find a personal injury lawyer. However, not every recommended lawyer will be suitable for your type of claim.
Ask a Lawyer You Already Know
If you have hired a lawyer in the past or know one you trust, you can ask if they know of any personal injury lawyers by reputation. Even if they do not practice in the same area of law, they may have heard of a personal injury lawyer in your area.
Internet Search
You can find lists of personal injury attorneys in your area by completing a simple search online. Take a handful of names at a time, then search for reviews on the firm or the specific lawyer. Websites that are great resources for reviews on attorneys include:
Look for what former clients have to say and any information on their experience and recent case results. Once you narrow down your list to a few that seem promising, contact their office to arrange free consultations. Before you meet with them, prepare a list of questions to help you figure out if the attorney is the right fit for you.