If you’ve recently experienced an injury due to someone else’s negligence, then you may have a lot on your plate. There’s the recovery period, which could include bed rest, physical therapy, or special equipment. You may also be out of work, which is significantly impacting your financial situation. Further complicating things are the medical bills, which can quickly add up even if you have insurance. That’s a lot to manage without even getting into the impact the injury can have on your day-to-day life.
You’re going to need some assistance to get through this time. If you’re looking to receive financial compensation due to your injury, one person you’ll want to work with is a personal injury attorney. However, while there are many personal injury attorneys to choose from, some are likely a better fit for you than others. Below, we’ll highlight the key factors you should consider when hiring a lawyer to ensure you find the best legal representation for your case.
Expertise and Experience
First and foremost, you’ll want to consider any attorney’s expertise and experience. To start, you’ll want an attorney who not only specializes in personal injuries but also has experience in your specific type of injury. The more experience an attorney has related to your case, the better they will be able to guide you on the best course of action. More experience also helps your attorney negotiate better settlements or navigate your local court system. When talking with a lawyer, ask them how many years of experience they have or how many cases they have worked on similar to your own.
Communication
Next, you’ll want a lawyer that communicates well. It’s important to find an attorney who will work to keep you informed through every step of the process and who can answer any questions you might have. Going through a personal injury case can be a stressful time, but by working with a communicative attorney, you can alleviate a lot of that stress.
According to Brandon Stein, a personal injury attorney, “When you’re looking to hire an attorney, you need to make sure that lawyer is responsive. Meet the lawyer, look into his or her eyes, and let them speak to you.” Make sure you’re taking the time to meet with any potential attorney before you hire them so that you can gauge their communication skills.
Location
Another important quality in your personal injury attorney is their location. Ideally, you should find a lawyer that’s as close to the site of the accident as possible. There are a few reasons for this. First, the lawyer needs to pass the bar exam in that state in order to represent you. Second, local lawyers will have a better understanding of the applicable state laws and how the court system works. Finally, if the injury occurred close to home, having a lawyer nearby will make meetings a lot easier on your schedule.
Track Record and Success Rate
As you’re looking for an attorney, it’s important to consider not only how many years they’ve been practicing but also their track record during that time. It doesn’t do you much good to hire a personal injury attorney with forty years of experience if they’ve lost most of their cases over that time. When you’re meeting with potential lawyers, ask them for their success rate in cases similar to your own. Ideally, you should look for a lawyer with a combination of experience and a high success rate.
Fees and Costs
Of course, no attorney search is complete without factoring in the costs. Every lawyer has their own rates, some of which may be beyond your budget. You’ll want to discuss fees and any other costs with your attorney before you agree to work with them.
Be sure to factor in any loss of wages you’re experiencing as the result of the injury, along with any potential rewards or settlement amounts that may result from the lawsuit. In many situations, personal injury lawyers will only get paid if they win your case, which can help alleviate the financial burden.
Resources and Support Staff
Finally, personal injury cases may require resources like investigators, medical experts, and paralegals. A well-staffed firm with adequate resources is better equipped to handle the various aspects of your case. Talk to your lawyer about the resources your case might require and whether those resources are available. More complicated cases may require support staff, while simpler cases may only need the attention of a single lawyer.
