Look for these factors when searching for the right personal injury lawyer for you.
For most people, being involved in a legal case is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. You likely don’t know where to turn after an accident, when you are already stressed and overwhelmed with pain as a result of your medical treatment and the losses that you have suffered.
Having a good personal injury attorney can make the difference in getting a settlement that truly compensates you for the full scope of your losses. An inexperienced attorney may not understand how to best put together a case for compensation, and may ultimately leave you without adequate funds to cover your damages. The following is a list of what you should look for when selecting a personal injury lawyer.
Personal Injury Experience
When it comes to lawyers, specialization matters. You wouldn’t go to a heart surgeon to treat a sports injury, and you shouldn’t go to a real estate attorney for a personal injury matter. The field of personal injury law is complex and requires an understanding of many different factors, as well as particularized skill in negotiating with insurance companies and other lawyers. That is why it is critical to pick a lawyer who focuses on personal injury law, rather than one who has a general practice or who has handled very few personal injury cases.
One of the most challenging aspects of personal injury cases is putting together a case for compensation, including proving your non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. A personal injury lawyer who has handled hundreds or thousands of cases will know exactly how to value your case, and what the likely success rate is for your particular claim. Choosing a personal injury attorney who has these skills and this knowledge will help you get the compensation that you deserve.
A personal injury attorney who has significant experience will also likely have a proven track record of success, with high dollar settlements and awards for his or her clients. When your attorney has been able to get this type of compensation for clients in the past, you can be assured that he or she will have the know-how to aggressively pursue your claim. While results are never guaranteed and your settlement will depend on the facts of your case, having an attorney who has successfully resolved cases for other clients can be vital to helping you recover.
The Ability to Go to Trial
In the personal injury world, cases are typically handled on a contingency fee basis. That means that you don’t pay a fee unless your attorney gets an award or settlement for you. Once you have achieved this goal, then your attorney will receive a percentage of the proceeds. This type of fee arrangement can help clients without the resources to hire an attorney get representation, and can motivate attorneys to pursue the highest possible settlement.
However, if an attorney or firm doesn’t have sufficient resources to cover the costs of your case — paying investigators, expert witnesses, court reporters and more — then he or she may be tempted to accept a quick settlement to get their share of your award. A fast settlement may not always be in your best interest, especially if you have ongoing medical issues. Instead, consider hiring an attorney who has enough resources to fight as long as necessary to get the compensation you deserve.
Ultimately, hiring a personal injury attorney is a matter of choice, and you will have to weigh many factors in deciding which lawyer to retain. You should ask friends, look for testimonials and recommendations, and check out a lawyer’s credentials before deciding who to hire. At the Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, we have the experience and resources to successfully resolve your case. We have recovered millions of dollars for thousands of clients, and we know how to handle cases to achieve the best possible results of our clients. Contact our office today at 800-333-0000 or info@larryhparker.com to schedule a free initial consultation.
