Choosing the right personal injury lawyer is an important decision. Your first meeting with an attorney, a physical meeting, or a phone conversation is necessary to obtain as much information as possible.
However, you also want a personal injury attorney with a proven track record.
Experience
When you first meet with a personal injury attorney, could you pay attention to how they treat you? They ought to pay attention to your worries and fully address your inquiries. They should also provide a clear timeline for how your case will progress.
Personal injury or tort law covers incidents involving someone harmed through another party’s negligent or reckless actions. This type of civil suit seeks monetary compensation from the defendant.
An experienced personal injury lawyer such as Finkelstein & Partners understands all the complexities of the law. They will review the facts of your case to determine all parties who may be liable for your injuries and damages. For example, in a medical malpractice case, the clinic that employed the doctor who committed the malpractice can be held responsible for that doctor’s actions through a legal doctrine called vicarious liability.
An excellent personal injury lawyer will help you understand how your injuries will impact you in the long term and expertly estimate the damages you are owed. They will also negotiate with the insurance company to get you a fair settlement.
Reputation
A personal injury lawyer with a solid reputation for client satisfaction will usually have good case results. It would help if you asked your friends and family for recommendations and checked review websites.
When you meet with an attorney, look for a clean, organized office. If you notice a mess, it may be a sign that your case must be handled appropriately.
Lawyers are generalists or specialists in their practice area. A specialist will better understand the law that applies to your specific case. For example, if you were injured in an accident involving a tractor-trailer or defective product, you want to choose an attorney who has handled these cases before. An experienced lawyer should be able to give you an idea of what you’re entitled to from your point of view based on similar settlements. They should not promise you a large sum upfront, as this may not be realistic. It is also essential to consider the costs associated with your case, including medical treatment and lost income.
Fees
Many personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only receive payment when they win your case. This is an excellent option for individuals needing more financial means to hire an attorney on a traditional hourly basis.
During your consultation, ask the lawyer what they expect to charge for out-of-pocket expenses such as medical records and expert witness fees. Also, find out what happens if your case is lost—do you have to reimburse the law firm for any of these expenses?
It’s a good idea to seek recommendations from friends and family who have hired a personal injury lawyer. However, be wary of making a decision based solely on word-of-mouth. Every situation is unique, and different attorneys may respond better or worse to your needs. For this reason, it’s essential to meet with a few other candidates before selecting one. This will give you a feel for each person’s personality and style.
Communication
The attorney-client relationship depends on effective communication. A lawyer should be able to clearly explain complex legal concepts and listen attentively to your concerns so they can develop an effective strategy for your case. Moreover, they should effectively convey your injury’s facts in a way you easily understand.
During the initial consultation, you should come prepared with a list of questions you want to ask the lawyer. This list should include inquiries about their experience, fees, potential legal strategies, and other important information you need to decide about hiring the attorney to handle your personal injury case.
Also, be sure to ask how long it takes the attorney to resolve a personal injury case. You will find that many patients are settled without a lawsuit, but sometimes, the parties cannot reach an agreement, and the case goes to trial.
