If you have been recently injured due to the negligence of someone else, you may be beginning your search for an experienced personal injury lawyer that can help you win your case. With so many different injury attorneys out there, it may be overwhelming and difficult to narrow down your search.
You want an attorney who has handled personal injury cases similar to yours and that will take your claim seriously. Here is a list of X factors you will want to consider before hiring an attorney for your case.
1. What Types of Cases Do They Handle?
When considering hiring an injury lawyer, make sure to research their background and what primary practice areas they currently handle. It is recommended to hire an attorney that has handled cases like yours before, as they can be more passionate and knowledgeable about those types of cases.
For example, if you were injured in a car accident, you want to make sure that the attorney has significant experience handling these types of claims and have the skills necessary to be a helpful resource for your case.
If your home was destroyed in a wildfire, you want to make sure that you speak with an attorney that has experience handling wildfire litigation.
Making sure your lawyer has a great reputation and considerable experience could help you gain a more favorable settlement.
2. Are There Any Upfront Costs?
Although most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, you’ll want to make sure this is true before signing any contracts. Contingency fees are common in most personal injury cases, and if the attorney does not properly recover compensation for your case, you do not owe the attorney any money.
3. Why Are They Qualified?
A qualified personal injury lawyer will be able to easily point out their credentials and references that make them a good attorney. Good lawyers will care about you and your case and educate you on every question you may have. Do not hesitate to ask for references and credentials.
4. Who Will Work on The Case?
Some injury lawyers do not work on every aspect of the cases they take on, but hire paralegals or legal secretaries to help in preparing legal documents. This is not uncommon if you are working with an attorney who takes on many cases. Having others involved in the case process not only keeps costs down but allows for better communication between the attorney and the client.
5. How Much Trial Experience Do They Have?
Although only four to five percent of personal injury cases in the United States go to trial, it is important to examine their trial experience; this is in case your case warrants a trial. Many injury cases settle without needing to file a lawsuit, as parties may negotiate a settlement. However, some cases do go to trial because a resolution cannot be made, so it is important to research whether your attorney is skilled in trial. If your attorney does not have much trial experience, it may be beneficial to you and your case to meet with many lawyers to find the best fit.
6. Does The Attorney Communicate Effectively?
If you are having trouble scheduling appointments, meeting with the attorney, or feel as though you are not being prioritized, your lawyer may not be handling your case properly. Ideally, you want an injury lawyer who is responsive, who answers your questions and concerns on time and consistently updates you on your case’s progress. Although many qualified attorneys do take on many cases, it is important to find a happy medium involving effective communication and prioritization.
Although you may get frustrated during the legal process of finding an attorney, doing proper research and getting a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer will help you be at ease during the process of your case. Hiring a personal injury attorney can not only help you win your case, but it can also keep you from making costly mistakes