Were you recently the victim of another’s negligence? Maybe you tripped and fell on someone else’s property. Maybe you were in a car accident?
Whatever the situation, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer right away. They can help you build a case to fight for the compensation you deserve.
That way, you won’t have to cover your lost wages, property damage, or medical bills alone. You will also be helped to learn the value of your “pain and suffering”.
Here are seven factors to consider before picking a personal injury Lawyer.
1. Specialized Experience
Before you start your search for a lawyer, make sure you understand what you’re looking for. What type of personal injury case do you have? There are a few categories your situation might fall under, such as:
- An automobile accident (motorcycle, truck, bike, car, etc.)
- Defamation
- Medical malpractice (medication error, surgical error, misdiagnosis, etc.)
- Wrongful death
- Premise liability
- Product liability
- Slip and fall
- Animal bites
- Assault and battery
In some cases, you can separate a category into smaller subcategories. For example, maybe a surgeon left a piece of gauze in you after surgery. Maybe a doctor prescribed the wrong medication.
Both situations fall under the medical malpractice category.
Now that you know what type of personal injury case you have, look for a lawyer with the right experience. Their personal injury experience could make or break your case.
How long have they practiced as a licensed attorney? How many years have they spent practicing in the area?
Some laws can vary based on where you live.
How long has the lawyer specialized in your specific type of case? How many similar cases have they tried over the years? Were those cases a success?
Finding someone with the right specialty and plenty of experience will give you peace of mind about your own situation.
2. A Strong Success Rate
It’s not enough to find someone with years of experience. You also want to make sure the personal injury lawyer you choose is a winner. Otherwise, you’ll fail to receive the compensation you need to cover your losses.
Did you lose a loved one as a result of a personal injury incident? It happens more often than you might think. In fact, about 10% of all the world’s deaths are due to injuries.
If you have a wrongful death case, you’ll want to find someone who can fight for you in court.
Take a look at how many cases they’ve handled overall. How many cases did they win versus lose?
Then, compare their overall track record to their recent track record. It’s normal to find someone who has improved over the years. You might find a lawyer with a stronger recent record.
Don’t forget to make sure those wins reflect your type of case. Otherwise, the personal injury attorney might struggle to win your lawsuit.
3. Courtroom Experience
Not every case goes to trial. Even so, you never know where your personal injury case might end up. Before you choose a lawyer, make sure they have years of courtroom experience under their belts.
A lawyer needs to know how to handle themselves in a courtroom. They should have strong communication skills as well. Otherwise, they’ll struggle to argue on your behalf.
Some lawyers are nervous about going to court; so much so that they’ll try to avoid it.
If a lawyer lacks the experience you need, they might try to settle your case simply to avoid the courtroom. You could receive lower compensation as a result.
4. Board Certifications
If you want to find peace of mind about your decision, look for a lawyer who takes their knowledge base above and beyond.
First, make sure to check your local bar association. Are the lawyers on your list active members? If they’re not, cross them off the list and keep searching.
Next, make sure they have the proper license and insurance documents.
Now that you’re sure your choices are licensed to practice in the area, see if they’re a member of any organizations. There are state and national organizations designed to represent injured clients.
For example, you might find lawyers with memberships to the American and Wisconsin Association of Justice of National Board of Trial Advocacy.
The latter indicates the lawyer has the courtroom experience you need.
5. An In-Person Consultation
Before hiring anyone, make sure to schedule an in-person consultation. Many lawyers offer initial consultation appointments, giving them a chance to learn more about your case.
Explain your situation. Then, ask them about what outcome they anticipate. Can they handle your case?
Don’t trust someone who gives you a guarantee. No one can truly anticipate the outcome of your case.
Do they have time in their schedule to handle your case? If not, keep looking. You want someone who can dedicate time and attention to your personal injury case.
6. Client References and Reviews
You don’t have to believe everything you hear. Instead, head online and look for references and reviews. Hearing from each lawyer’s previous clients will help you learn more about their abilities.
You can find reviews on the law firm’s Google My Business and Better Business Bureau listing. Consider checking the Martindale Hubbell directory as well.
7. The Costs
Finally, make sure to talk to your lawyer about their fee structure. Do they take payment on a contingency fee basis? If so, they won’t expect payment unless they win your case.
In these instances, your lawyer will take a percentage of your winnings.
When comparing lawyer fees, make sure to review all of your notes. Don’t choose the cheapest option. Otherwise, you could choose a lawyer who lacks the skills you need.
Finding the Best Personal Injury Lawyer Around: 7 Factors to Keep in Mind
Ready to find the best personal injury lawyer in town? Make sure to keep these seven factors in mind during your search. With these tips, you can find someone with the qualifications and experience you need.
Want to discuss your case with lawyers you can trust? We’re here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your case.
