Factors to Consider When Selecting a Personal Injury Law Firm

If you have been injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation if another party was responsible for your injuries. Trying to handle your own injury claim, however, could seriously jeopardize your opportunity to collect anything or substantially reduce your claims’ value.

Studies have consistently shown that injury victims who have legal counsel collect substantially more compensation than those who settle their claims alone, even taking attorney’s fees into account.

Before selecting the right personal injury law firm for you, there are a number of factors for you to consider.

Case and Injury Specialization

What kind of personal injury case do you have? There are many types of injury claims including car accident, product defect, premises liability, dog bite, motorcycle accident, and medical malpractice.

While most injury firms can handle a rear-end car collision, other cases involve more complex issues regarding proof of liability and damages such as product defect cases, defective drug, truck accident, or medical malpractice. If your injury case falls into one of these categories, search for a firm with attorneys who have successfully handled these types of cases.

Also, if you have a particular serious injury, find a firm with attorneys with a background in that condition such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or asbestos based diseases like mesothelioma. These lawyers are knowledgeable in the mechanics and science of the disease or condition and are well-suited in litigating the complex issues that can arise in cases involving these serious injuries.

Trial Experience

Many personal injury lawyers are good pre-trial lawyers, but not all are trial lawyers or are very skilled. Personal injury lawyers negotiate with insurance adjusters every day, but trying a case in court demands someone who is articulate, can frame issues simply, relates to a jury, and knows what it takes to prove liability and damages so that a jury will award a verdict commensurate with the nature and extent of your injuries.

Many injury lawyers settle their cases without ever trying a case. Insurance companies, adjusters, and defense lawyers are aware of a plaintiff attorney’s record of trying or not trying cases, and will purposely offer less knowing that the attorney will settle before trial.

Consequently, select a firm with trial-tested attorneys. They usually have the confidence to meet most challenges and you can be more assured your case will receive full value.

Accessibility

It may be difficult to know if an attorney who appears knowledgeable and has the trial experience you are seeking is also accessible. You will have questions about your case and the progress of your injuries and an attorney who gives you personal attention will see that your treatment is proceeding smoothly and that any issues affecting your case are being adequately handled.

When initially meeting your attorney, ask if he or she will be personally handling your case or if it will be handed off to someone else. You can judge the demeanor of the attorney in your meeting by seeing if he or she is paying attention to you, answering your questions, and seems genuinely concerned. You can also ask to speak to any former clients about how their cases were handled.

Further, ask to meet the associates and support staff who will assisting in your case. If they are professional in their attitude and workplace, this is an excellent sign of a well-organized and successful practice.

By considering these factors, you can more easily find the personal injury lawyer with the appropriate experience, skills, and demeanor and in whom you have the confidence that your case will be handled with the professionalism it deserves.

DISCLAIMER: The information gathered from this article is not legal advice. If you are in search of legal advice you should consult with an attorney about your specific situation. Communicating with the Law Offices of Duane King,PC through the use of this article does not establish an attorney/client relationship. You should not disclose any information that you consider confidential until an attorney/client relationship has been created.