You just had an accident. Police and an ambulance arrive and take you to hospital. Then, you face ongoing pain and medical bills due to the negligence of others. Instead of facing these issues on your own, you should find the right personal injury attorney to help you obtain money for your injuries. Here are five things to consider when choosing the right personal injury attorney:
1. Determine if a personal injury attorney is good at your legal needs.
It is important to ensure that the attorney you choose specializes in the correct area for your situation. For example, if you were involved in a car accident, it would be in your best interest to hire an attorney who has experience with these types of cases. If you believe your accident was due to medical malpractice, ask the attorney you are interested in if they have any experience in that particular area of law.
2. Whether your lawyer personality is right for you.
When consulting an attorney, it is important that you feel confident retaining that law firm to handle your legal matters. If you want to update your case frequently, stress the importance of constant communication with the attorney handling your case. Don’t be shy about asking for weekly or monthly updates on your case, if possible. Find a personal injury attorney that you are confident will dedicate the appropriate time and resources to your legal matter. Communication and connections are very important when considering the right attorney. Don’t just accept any attorney, make sure the law firm you choose will call back and notify you of any changes or updates.
3. You don’t pay unless we win.
Personal injury cases are usually pursued on a contingency basis. This means that the attorney you choose will likely pay any court fees or filing fees and not bill you. However, if you prevail, any fees paid by the attorney will be refunded along with their retainer fee. When hiring an attorney, it is critical to understand the engagement agreement, which outlines the contractual obligations of the client and its attorney.
4. Previous cases: assessment and review.
Use the internet to find out what others are saying about the law firm you are considering. For example, you can use Google, Yahoo, Bing, etc. to search the internet to find ratings and reviews about the law firm you want to hire. Take note of any complaints or criticisms made earlier and make an objective judgment on the competence of the law firm in question.
5. To knot or not to knot? That’s the problem.
It is important to remember that a large number of cases are settled before going to trial, as doing so can be time consuming and costly. However, it may not always be in your best interest to resolve your case unless you are adequately compensated for your injuries. When considering the right lawyer, ask him what percentage of cases he has tried versus just settled? Whenever a settlement is offered, the client must be informed of the offer. More notably, only the customer can accept or decline the settlement offer. It is beneficial to have an attorney who can resolve your case amicably, but it is equally important to ensure that he can take the case to trial if necessary.
