Going through a personal injury is one of the most stressful things any individual can deal with. You want to move past the pain and heal, but the bills and burdens that come with an injury can be overwhelming and stop you in your tracks.
We could all use a good lawyer on our side in these moments.
If you’re struggling to pick your lawyer and want to make sure it’s someone who will fight for you: these are the most important things to keep in mind.
Look At Their Case History
How many cases has this lawyer won or lost? What percentage of cases do they win? Although 90% of personal injury lawsuits settle out of court, 10% of those that go to court still win. If their track record is any worse than that, they might not be someone worth hiring.
This also gives you the chance to see if they’ve handled cases similar to yours or not. Finding someone who’s had practice working in your specific kind of case will help you significantly.
How Do You Feel Talking to Them
When you talk to this lawyer, does it seem like they’re listening to you? You don’t need your personal injury lawyer to be your best friend, but they should be someone you feel safe talking to who seems to understand what you’re going through. Are they taking notes about your experience and being thorough in asking questions, or does it seem like they’re zoning you out and just going through the motions? You never know when something you say may have value, so it’s vital that you find a lawyer who’s willing to listen for these facts and details.
Can You Afford Them?
It’s no secret that some lawyers can be blindingly expensive. When interviewing lawyers, be straightforward and ask how much they’ll cost. Although it can be embarrassing to talk about money, you need to know if their services are something you can afford. If a lawyer really believes in your case and thinks they can win the money you deserve, they may be willing to take the case and refuse payment unless they win or get you a large settlement, but that depends from lawyer to lawyer.
Are There Reviews or Referrals You Can Check?
If your lawyer has a good track record: talk to their other clients. You can ask for referrals, or check reviews online, to see how they interact with their clients and if they’re someone you can trust. Referrals will let you know how seriously they took someone’s case and might give you insight into how they’ll fight for you.
If someone has a great track record but is terrible to their clients, this is something to seriously consider. You deserve to be respected by whatever professional you hire.
Your Personal Injury Lawyer Should Be On Your Side
Going through a personal injury case can be stressful, and nobody should have to do it alone. Seek help, and find a lawyer that matches the above criteria before you move ahead with working with them.