Selecting an attorney to represent you is an important decision that should not be made lightly. There are several important qualities to consider before hiring a personal injury lawyer including:
- Experience in Cases Like Yours: There are countless scenarios that could give rise to a personal injury claim. Even if two cases involve the same kind of tort, they might have nuances regarding the types of injuries sustained, the motivation of the tortfeasor, the evidence available, etc. Make sure the lawyer you hire has achieved successful outcomes in cases like yours.
- Litigation Experience: Would the attorney be willing to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to pay a fair settlement? Does the lawyer have a track record of success in litigation that would garner respect from the insurer? Having a trial lawyer by your side has numerous advantages—even if your case doesn’t end up in court. Find out if the attorney you’re considering is an accomplished litigator.
- Access to Expert Witnesses: How often and under what circumstances does the attorney consult with medical, financial, and accident reconstruction experts? If you suffered catastrophic injuries such as a permanent disability, make sure the lawyer you hire knows when and how to use expert witnesses to strengthen your claim.
- Communication Skills: A personal injury attorney should be able to clearly communicate the strengths and weaknesses of your case, the potential outcomes, and the answers to any questions you have about the relevant statutes, case law, and proceedings. If the lawyer doesn’t seem confident, personable, or articulate, it might be best to look elsewhere for representation.
- Compassion: The attorney you hire should genuinely care about your situation. If the lawyer seems apathetic, that might indicate he or she won’t be willing to invest the time and effort needed to achieve the best possible outcome. Also, working with a compassionate and personable attorney can make the claims process far less arduous.
- Positive Online Reviews: If an attorney doesn’t have any online reviews, this might indicate they haven’t been in legal practice for many years. If they have negative reviews, this could signify the lawyer doesn’t provide effective representation or offers an uncomfortable client experience.
