There are an awful lot of advertisements for lawyers out there, don’t you think? Between the television ads and the billboards and the websites, it can be hard to choose the right personal injury attorney for your specific needs. There are, however, some things you can do to help narrow down your search for the right lawyer.
- Look for experience. Would you let your dentist operate on your heart? Probably not. The same goes for your lawyer: choose an attorney who has experience in the area of personal injury specifically. Research how many years that person or firm has been practicing, and see what percentage of their cases are devoted to personal injury.
- Look at their verdicts and settlements. The majority of personal injury cases settle – but truly catastrophic cases should be handled in a courtroom, to ensure that you get the most amount of compensation available to you. Make sure your attorney can handle him/herself in negotiations AND in a jury trial; you may have to go through both processes, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Read testimonials. Check out the lawyer’s website, but also check things like Angie’s List, Google+ and Avvo.com, as well as any other reviews you can find. Look specifically for things outside of award amounts, too, such as willingness to travel to the hospital to see a client, or availability to be reached by phone or email.
- Ask your friends. If you know someone who was injured and pursued compensation, see how he/she chose, and ask about the experience.
- Check the biographies. In a 50 person law firm with one attorney and 49 associates, it’s doubtful you’ll get the same treatment as in a smaller firm with multiple attorneys working within the practice area. While you’re nosing around the bios, you might also want to look for special certifications and awards, as well as any notable or landmark cases that might be listed.
- Make an appointment. Truth is, you don’t have to “like” your personal injury attorney – but it helps. If you can find someone with all the skills and experience you need and a personality or mindset that matches yours, well, all the better. Pick a lawyer with an impressive record for success, yes – but pick one you won’t mind spending an awful lot of time with over the coming weeks, months and potentially years.
If you’re in the market for a personal injury lawyer, why not call Rocky McElhaney Law Firm? We bet your search will end pretty quickly if you do.
Other Personal Injury 101 Entries:
Personal Injury 101: What to do After an Auto Accident
