If you have been injured due to another party’s actions, you may want to file a personal injury claim, which could allow you to receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damages, and more. One of the most important things you can do right from the start of is to choose the best personal injury lawyer to represent you.
(Pixabay / rawpixel)
There are many lawyers out there, but you need one who has experience in dealing with the types of injuries that you have received and who knows all the ins and outs of the law surrounding your particular case. Insurance companies are often familiar with the attorneys in your area and will craft their case accordingly. If they know that your attorney is good, they will be more likely to pay out a fair settlement rather than risk going to court and losing money.
As you shop around for the right attorney to represent your case, consider these key questions:
Do they specialize in personal injury?
There are many areas of legal work, but you want to pick an attorney who specializes in personal injury law. Make sure that they are trained to deal with the kind of injuries that you are experiencing, such as those from a car accident or a workers’ compensation incident.
How experienced are they?
An attorney who is new to personal injury law may charge less, but they may not have the expertise to stand up against big insurance companies that are only interested in their own bottom line. Ensure that your attorney has been in practice long enough to develop the level of expertise that you need. With this expertise comes the confidence to recommend certain courses of action as you face important decisions regarding your claim.
How are they compensated?
Some attorneys charge hourly, but others charge contingency fees. This means that they will not get paid unless they win your case. Many people prefer contingency fees because they ensure that your attorney is fully invested and that you will not be out any money if they lose your case.
How responsive are they?
Some attorneys favor quantity over quality, accepting dozens of cases at once but failing to provide adequate client care. Find out if you will be able to meet with your attorney regularly and how long they usually take to respond to phone calls or emails.
How involved are they?
Most every lawyer draws on the assistance of paralegals and legal assistants, but these workers should not be doing all of the heavy lifting. Find out how hands-on your attorney will be in expediting your case.
No matter how much you may like an attorney, if they don’t have the experience and professionalism that you need to win your case, it’s best to keep looking until you find a more qualified option. After all, the primary goal of your claim is to get the benefits that you are entitled to so that you can recover expenses, heal, and move toward to a brighter future.