Whether it's a car accident, a workplace injury or a slip and fall incident, suffering through an accidental injury or illness is a draining and stressful experience made even worse if the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence or recklessness. You may feel angry and seek to hold someone accountable for your injuries. You may be struggling to figure out how you will support yourselves and your family as you try to make up for the financial losses and expenses brought on by the accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence or reckless acts, you may be thinking of hiring a personal injury lawyer. An attorney will represent your best interests as you seek to recover compensation for your injuries and losses. Hiring the right injury attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are five tips for choosing the right personal injury lawyer.
#1: Experience and Success With Similar Cases
A strong track record of success with similar cases is a good indicator of a dedicated, knowledgeable attorney who can help with your case. Ask the lawyer about the cases they have represented in the past to find out if their experience meets your needs. A skilled lawyer may also advise you of what you can expect, based on this past experience. Keep in mind that attorneys specialize in certain areas of the law and are licensed to practice in certain states. Divorce attorneys, family law specialists and bankruptcy lawyers are not personal injury lawyers.
#2: Reviews and Referrals
Ask friends, neighbors and acquaintances if they have worked with a personal injury lawyer and had a positive experience. Read reviews and testimonials to learn more about other clients’ experience with the lawyer or law firm.
#3: Communication Style
Do you have a good rapport with the lawyer? Think of your personal injury attorney as a partner who will represent you and your best interests by collecting evidence and building a solid case, negotiate with insurance companies and at-fault parties, and advise you of your options. The legal process can take some time and there could be many decisions along the way as to how to best move forward. You want to hire a lawyer with whom you can effectively communicate and who understands your concerns.
#4: Approach to Your Case Aligns with Your Goals
Every injured victim has different priorities. Some clients may seek the maximum compensation amount, no matter how long it takes while others may want to settle more quickly so long the sum is more than what the insurance company has offered. Make sure to discuss how the lawyer would approach your case and let them know what your priorities and goals are.
#5: Understand the Fee and Costs Structure
Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that their fee is only paid if your case is successful. Attorney fees vary with many charging a certain percentage of the settlement. It’s also possible that your attorney may suggest the need to uncover more evidence or to hire experts to bolster your case especially in cases with severe injury. You may need an accident reconstructionist to prove liability or a medical expert to testify to the extent of your injuries or expected medical prognosis. The fees for these experts and other services typically also come out of the settlement. Make sure you understand who will pay the fees in the event your case is not successful.
Speak with a Top-Rated Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Working with an experienced, top-rated personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case and ease the worry and burden of dealing with the legal and insurance process. At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we believe in exceptional client care. To us, that means an experience free from legalese, hype, hassle, and intimidation. With us by your side, you can put the worries aside.
We have locations in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Florida. If you can’t make it to our office, we can come to you. With our proven track record of success and our commitment to client care, we can turn your setback into a comeback. Contact Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, for a free consultation.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash