A personal injury lawyer helps his client in situations where damages arise from the negligence of another party. The goal of the personal injury lawyer is to apply the appropriate laws to help the client’s situation. The attorney’s knowledge and experience help the client successfully assign liability to the party causing the damage and receive an appropriate level of compensation.
The best option for hiring a personal injury attorney is to use attorney referral sources. Using search sites like Martindale-Hubbell and others helps you find out more about the attorney’s background. It is important to know what law school they attended, how long they have been practicing law, and how they have specialized in tort law or personal jury law.
If possible, find out how successful the lawyer has been in personal injury claims. Is the lawyer someone who defends his client and fights for every penny or resolves cases quickly? Knowing how much time the lawyer spends on a client’s case lets you know if he is in business for you or himself. You may be looking for a legal advocate bulldog to pursue on his behalf rather than someone looking to make a quick buck by taking the first offer that comes along.
You should also check with your local bar association for a list of recommended personal injury lawyers. It helps to know that the attorney you choose is an active member of your local bar association. This can also help you find out if your credentials are in good standing and if they are in good standing. You may also want to find out if the lawyer you want to choose has a disciplinary record. A lawyer who is in trouble may not be the best advocate for you.
Does the attorney work for a large firm or is it a small, entrepreneurial practice? Knowing this can give you an idea of how hard they are willing to work on behalf of your personal injury claim. A lawyer who works for a large firm has access to many resources to pursue your claim, which is an advantage that works in their favor. They may also be more likely to set up quickly to move on to the next customer, which means they work in volume, rather than in person.
An attorney working on their own or at a smaller firm may be able to give you more personal attention. This means they will have a greater interest in your case and seek a larger settlement on your behalf. What this type of lawyer lacks in resources, compared to one at a large corporate firm, he makes up for in zeal. Consider which of these attributes is most important to you.
Whichever route you choose, choose a personal injury lawyer to represent your interests, not theirs. Ask questions and learn as much as you can about their background, experience, both in negotiations and in the courtroom, and if they really are advocates for their clients.
