In this article, we’ll cover a few important factors to consider when how to choose a personal injury attorney. We’ll be looking at: certification, experience, personal connection with the lawyer, communication style and fee structure.
Certification
All attorneys should be licensed by the state bar they are working in. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, anyone who displays “Attorney At Law, Attorney-at-Law, Attorney at Law” or any other phrase that implies they are an attorney must be a member of the bar in good standing .
To become a member of the bar in good standing, an attorney must pass a written examination on that state’s laws, complete an internship or law school and meet continuing education requirements.
To ensure you meet a personal injury attorney whose skills and knowledge are up to par with your case, check that their license is current. An expired license could mean your lawyer isn’t qualified or eligible to practice law.
Personal Connection
Deciding on an attorney can be an overwhelming process, and having a personal connection can help ease the anxiety. Look for a lawyer who has experience in the field you need help with, such as motor vehicle accidents or medical malpractice.
If you are looking for a personal injury attorney to handle your case, examine the following factors:
– What are they like to work with?
– Does he or she treat you with respect and care?
Does he or she listen to all of your concerns and be honest about what is possible in your case? That will help you decide on how to proceed. Some attorneys might try to convince you take an easier road by being dishonest, overstating his or her experience or agenda. You shouldn’t need your lawyer to do that. You should be looking for someone who will take the burden off of you and handle everything so you can let it all go.
Communication Style
You should be able to communicate with your attorney easily and effectively. Your lawyer will likely use several communication methods, including telephone calls, emails, letters or faxes. Determine whether your potential attorney’s preferred method of communication is convenient for you. Communication is key to being informed about case progress and getting answers to your questions.
If your communication style is more laid-back, you might not want to choose the lawyer who would contact you often and jot down every detail. If that’s the type of person you are, find a lawyer who will readily check in with you as needed.
Fees
You want to make sure you’re comfortable with how much your attorney charges for his or her services. Costs are one of the most common concerns people have about hiring a lawyer.
Before you choose your attorney, make sure you ask how much he or she charges for legal services and investigation fees, if any. Once you know your attorney’s fee structure, you can be sure that your finances will not get in the way of getting the representation you need and deserve.
Some lawyers offer flat-rate fees to clients who want to cover all stages of a case, including court appearances. Other lawyers may charge by the hour or have a sliding scale fee structure that charges less for cases involving victims who are older, on social assistance, or in lower income brackets.
The amount of your fee is related to the complexity of the case and the potential recovery for you. Your lawyer will be more likely to take on a case if the settlement potential is higher.
Experience
If you need help with a serious injury case, such as a car wreck or other accident, you want to work with an experienced attorney. Personal injury cases are very time-consuming and complex. The more experienced your lawyer is, the better equipped he or she will be to handle your case.
If you choose a lawyer who has years of experience, you are more likely to get a settlement that adequately covers your damages. When choosing an attorney, ask about his or her case history and experience.
It is also important to find an attorney whose practices are not overly complicated. While it’s great to have an attorney with extensive experience, you don’t want this knowledge to put his or her focus on the wrong elements of the case and lead to an inadequate outcome. If your lawyer puts a lot of emphasis on a particular strategy during negotiations, for example, he or she may not be giving enough attention to all possible sources of recovery for your case.
What Else Do You Need to Know While Choosing a Personal Injury Attorney?
Another important detail that you need to consider is the reputation of a personal injury attorney or a law firm. You cannot work with every attorney you find or offer a favorable deal. In this regard, their reputation matters a lot. You can read reviews about the attorney or company before hiring any of them.
