Having the best lawyer will make a difference between suffering under the weight of lost wages or medical bills and securing a better settlement following an accident.
Whether you suffered a slip and fall or got involved in a car accident, choosing the best personal injury lawyer is an important decision.
But choosing an injury attorney doesn’t have to be complicated. With the following tips from the pros, you will be able to choose the right attorney:
1. Read Online Reviews
A perfect way to have an idea of a lawyer’s performance is to read their online reviews. Note that any lawyer that has a 4 or 5-star are good advocates you can rely on.
Start by checking at the Google reviews for all potential law firms you have on your mind. You might also check the ratings on platforms, such as Yelp.
Note that one or two bad reviews here and there are not necessarily warning bells. In every industry, there is a likelihood of having warning bells. But if you see the general trend of dissatisfaction from clients, consider this a red flag.
2. Check the Client-Attorney Relationship Dynamic
Know what kind of relationship you will have with your attorney. You can ask your potential attorney what working relationship you will have with them.
Of course, you will need to meet and work with your attorney and not their assistants or staff members. The client-attorney relationship should be based on:
- Understanding
- Trust
3. Determine the Reputation
Apart from having experience with a specific law, ensure to hire an attorney willing to go on a trial on your behalf. An attorney’s notable reputation with a courtroom may improve the chance of higher settlement and enable you to avoid trials when necessary.
There are certain sources available that can help you research and determine an attorney’s reputation and qualifications. One of the best ways to assess an attorney is to read reviews that another attorney wrote.
4. Consider Referrals
When making decisions, chances are, you will turn to family members and trusted friends so as to get feedback. You need to follow a similar approach when looking for personal injury attorneys.
Reach out to individuals you trust and know to determine if they have worked with a lawyer in the past. Ask about the outcome to expect and experience they have.
5. Look at the Area of Focus
Personal injury is basically an umbrella term, which encompasses a big area of law involving every type of accident. Some attorneys can handle car accidents, whereas others concentrate on a cruise ship and boat injuries.
Some also deal with railroad accidents or aviation crashes, and others specialize in medical malpractice. You must choose an attorney who has enough knowledge of a specific accident and can handle a personal injury matter regularly and exclusively.
The Bottom Line!
Basically, sitting down to meet with a lawyer face-to-face in their office is a perfect way to determine is the kind of expert you wish to work with. Don’t hesitate to go into a meeting with some questions about their trial history, experience, memberships, and education. Consultation is the best time to narrate your story and get the feedback you want.