When choosing a personal injury attorney, you must find one you are comfortable with. This means that you feel they treat you respectfully and promptly return calls.
You also want an attorney who understands medical concepts, mainly if your case involves medical malpractice. This will allow them to cross-examine defense medical experts.
Qualifications
An excellent personal injury lawyer like Batrice Law Firm can explain how they can assist you in pursuing damages for the injuries you suffered. This may include compensation for past and future medical treatment, loss of income, physical and emotional pain and suffering, and the use of punitive damages involving medical malpractice.
While most personal injury claims are settled out of court, finding an attorney with extensive trial experience is essential. Insurance companies know the lawyers who try cases and those who do not, and they are likelier to offer a fair settlement when they deal with attorneys willing to take a chance to trial.
Look for an attorney with the reputation of being a leader in the field. For example, an attorney who teaches other articles about changes in personal injury law written by attorneys for legal publications is usually well respected by their professional colleagues.
Experience
A personal injury attorney with significant expertise in the kind of accident you’ve experienced may have the skills to provide the best representation. This is especially true when it comes to negotiating for sizable settlements.
Ask a potential injury lawyer how long they’ve been in practice and whether they specialize in personal injury cases. You also want to find out how many points they’ve taken to trial and their success rate. You can check this information by reviewing attorney profiles or websites.
In addition to considering how long a lawyer has been in practice, consider the size of their firm. Large firms have access to resources that can be helpful for your case and have more experience handling similar cases.
It’s also a good idea to find out whether the lawyer frequently lectures or writes articles on personal injury law. This can indicate that they are knowledgeable and current on new developments in the field.
Reputation
Your personal injury lawyer should have a good reputation within the legal community. Finding an attorney you feel comfortable working with is also essential. During your case, you will have many conversations with your attorney and should be able to trust that they have your best interests in mind.
It is also a good idea to choose an attorney that has trial experience. Although most personal injury cases are settled out of court, you will want your attorney to be prepared to take your case to trial if an insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement.
Additionally, an experienced lawyer should be able to provide specific examples of successful personal injury cases they have handled. Consider other options if your potential attorney cannot provide this information. The right attorney can make all the difference in your case. They will help you file a successful claim for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses.
Fees
When selecting a personal injury attorney, consider the lawyer’s fees. While most lawyers charge only a percentage of their client’s recovery, you should also know case “expenses.” These expenses might include expert witness fees, court reporter fees, charges for physician reports, and filing fees.
During your consultation, the personal injury attorney you choose should explain their fee structure and how they will be compensated for handling your claim. Most attorneys will offer free consultations and only charge a fee if they recover compensation in your case, known as a contingency fee agreement.
In addition, the lawyer should have extensive trial experience and a record of success. An insurance company will be likelier to offer a fair settlement when it knows the lawyer is fearless in taking the case to trial. It is also important to note whether the lawyer lectures at legal education seminars or writes articles about personal injury law.