A Checklist For Hiring A Good Personal Injury Lawyer
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Published on: 20 October 2023
Last Updated on: 11 November 2024
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So, you’ve suffered an injury and are receiving treatment for it. You believe that the accident happened due to the negligence of the at-fault party. You think a lawyer would be a better choice in a situation like this.
But there’s a catch.
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer isn’t an easy task. There is a lot to be done to hire a personal injury lawyer who’s ideal for your case. This is what this article is all about.
We’ve listed a few pointers that will be helpful for those who’re looking for a lawyer to handle their case. Read on to find out more.
Check For Their Area Of Expertise
Personal injury law covers a wide range of cases. Some of them are:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Construction site accidents
- Medical malpractice
It is important to find out which area of personal injury law your case falls into. This helps in hiring a lawyer with similar expertise.
Check For Their Experience
An experienced lawyer has an edge over a newcomer. Experienced lawyers have faced numerous cases, making them a reliable option with an increased success rate. They also know what complications to expect and how to tackle them.
An experienced lawyer is also good at making accurate predictions on case outcomes and total compensation due to the number of cases they’ve attended.
Opting for a rookie lawyer is a gamble. Yes, all lawyers have to start somewhere. But that doesn’t mean you have to be the lab rat for some rookie to gain experience. This statement rings true, especially if your losses and damages are on the higher side.
Check For Their Success Rate
A lawyer’s success rate is like their badge of honor. Look for the ones who flaunt their success rate. Choose the lawyers who have delivered positive results and are consistent about it.
Stay away from lawyers who’ve handled a ton of cases with poor results. Your case will be just one more on the pile.
Check Their Reputation
Like the success rate, a lawyer’s reputation is important as well. A reputable lawyer or one from a famous law firm has a reputation to uphold, and their work will reflect that.
Search for the lawyer’s reviews and look for specific patterns. Stay away from lawyers who have multiple complaints of the same type.
Check For Their Resources
Resources here refer to the number of subordinates a lawyer has at their disposal and their network of contacts. A lawyer may require multiple resources, depending on the complexity of the case. In some instances, they may need accident reconstruction experts to prove the at-fault party’s role in the accident.
The larger the team, the more efficiently your case will be handled.
Check Their Charges
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t have to pay anything upfront before hiring a lawyer. Instead, the lawyer will take a percentage of the winnings.
If the lawyer is not working on a contingency fee basis, ask whether they charge a flat or hourly fee. Also, don’t forget to ask for a fee structure and any additional expenses that may be added later.
Check For Their Trial Readiness
A majority of personal injury claims are settled out of court. But some do go to court. You’ll need a lawyer who’s prepared to represent you in court.
A court trial is completely different from an out-of-court settlement negotiation. There’s intense cross-questioning involved. The lawyer also has to present the evidence in a convincing manner. Therefore, it is vital to consider a lawyer who has experience in court trials.
Conclusion
A lawyer is crucial in a personal injury case. With their expertise, you can be sure that your rights are upheld. Additionally, a lawyer will also help in calculating compensation, determining liability, and handling all communications with the insurance adjuster.
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