6 June, 2021
Nothing feels good like hiring the right person to handle your legal case. Personal injury cases are more complex than ordinary cases; that is why they need the right lawyers. By the right lawyers, we mean specialists in the field or type of case.
Hiring the right lawyer to represent you in a personal injury case can be a daunting task. Where do you begin the search? How do you make the right decision? These are questions that you should ask yourself when hiring an attorney. Below is a guide on making the right decision and getting the right lawyer for your personal injury case.
Research Attorneys Online
Any products or services you want these days are available online. What is required from you is just making the right decision from the options you get. That also applies when hiring a brain injury attorney online. You can research different attorneys and then choose one at the end. Every state is unique with its local bar association. Check the status bar if any disciplinary measures have been issued against the listed attorneys.
According to Stephanie Hoffer, a lawyer in Michigan said that you should never hire a lawyer based on verdict listings on websites. To a great extent, this is true because every case is different with its associated damages. Take time to talk about your case with the lawyer you want to hire. This will solidify your relationship because you will be spending more time with the lawyer.
Ask Family and Friends to Refer Their Injury Lawyers
Another best way to find a good personal injury lawyer is by asking family and friends for a referral. One of your family members or friends may have experienced a personal injury before. Working with a lawyer who has worked previously with your friend or family is the best thing.
Even if none of your family or friends had experienced an injury that required a lawyer, at least they know some good lawyers. Getting a lawyer this way is more beneficial than finding a total stranger as a lawyer. Get as many suggestions as possible and then decide depending on your case.
Discuss Fees Before Signing
Before signing any lawyer, it is essential to discuss fees upfront. Also, remember transparency is vital in any financial transaction, and your agreement with the lawyer is not an exception. All agreements should be in writing, just in case.
Typically, a personal injury lawyer will take approximately a third of the total settlement. Some lawyers will require you to take care of other office expenses. Be aware of that and generally understand everything from the start before you get to advanced stages.
Find Out the Extent of the Lawyer's Training
Whichever means you use finding a lawyer, find out their legal experience and the extent of their training. How long should a lawyer practice be experienced? The simple answer for this is as many years as possible. Legal experience appreciates with years. When vetting a lawyer, you are about to hire, check how many years the lawyer has served.
You can also narrow down the number of cases the lawyer has handled that resemble your case. Use the above criteria to determine if the lawyer can handle the case personally. You can also ask the lawyer about that or if the case will be handed to an associate.
Ask if They Will Handle Your Case Personally
We have already said it is essential to ask who will be handling your case. Lawyers typically work in law firms. In a single law firm, you can find up to ten lawyers, and that is why it is essential to know who exactly is handling your case.
Steve M. Sweat, an attorney in California, agrees that it is vital to speak personally with the lawyer(s) who will be handling your case before hiring them. He adds that if a lawyer takes time to speak with you personally, that is a sign they are paying attention to your case.
Listen to Your Guts
According to Evan Guthrie, an injury lawyer in South Carolina, it is better to pick the personal injury lawyer who is caring and determined to help you. As we mentioned above, a caring attorney will spare time to speak with you directly rather than using a secretary. Evan also notes that some lawyers may focus more on the value of the case rather than the decisions that benefit the client.
The lawyer should be honest and genuine about the nature of the case. A caring attorney will let you know the case's weak points instead of focusing on strengths alone. This will prepare you for any eventuality. Evan also recommends that you trust your gut feeling when choosing a lawyer. If you have a funny feeling about the attorney, please move on and get a different person.
