By When choosing a personal injury law firm, experience and reputation are key. While you may be impressed by the appearance of a sleek office building, you shouldn’t make this the only factor. Some attorneys have lower-key offices in low-profile neighborhoods. While office design is a personal preference, you shouldn’t assume that the most expensive office has the best representation. Although advertisements and referrals may help you make a decision, you should rely on your own judgment and the advice of others.
Finding a personal injury lawyer
There are many factors to consider when choosing a personal injury lawyer. While many attorneys advertise heavily, you can avoid being taken advantage of by choosing a lawyer based on his or her advertising techniques alone. While many will settle your case without considering whether a trial would provide you with a better recovery, you should look for a lawyer who is committed to his or her clients. If they are not, you should look elsewhere.
One way to narrow down your search is by asking friends and family members for recommendations. But if you have a lot of contacts, it can be overwhelming. It is crucial to choose a personal injury lawyer who has a solid track record in the area and has successfully handled similar cases. Also, look for a personal injury lawyer who is a member of a state or county bar association. These associations often have databases of attorneys in your area. Many of them offer free consultations, so it’s a good idea to reach out to a few before deciding on one.
Checklist
When selecting a personal injury law firm, you should choose one that has several attorneys with experience handling similar types of cases. For example, a firm that specializes in car accidents, dog bites, and medical malpractice is a better choice than a single attorney whose expertise is not as specific. A firm with multiple attorneys can handle a case with greater efficiency and get the best possible settlement, even when you have been injured in a way that is not their fault.
The quality of communication is another critical factor. Your attorney should be able to fully explain your case and make informed decisions for you, which will reduce your stress level. You can also ask for a free initial consultation with the firm, which will give you an opportunity to learn more about the attorney and his or her qualifications. You can then proceed with selecting the best firm for your case. If possible, request a complimentary consultation with the firm.
Experience
When choosing a personal injury law firm, experience matters. Attorneys who have successfully prosecuted cases in a variety of areas should be your first choice. For instance, a car accident law firm is better than a workers’ compensation claim law firm if you were involved in an auto incident.
Fee arrangement
There are two types of fee arrangements used by law firms. The most common is an hourly rate, which involves paying an initial retainer and then billing the client for a fixed number of hours per month. Some law firms also offer a flat fee for certain services, such as the preparation of a will or processing formal documentation. This fee arrangement is rare for personal injury cases, however. When choosing a law firm, consider its fee arrangement and the type of case it handles.
Depending on the nature of your case, you might want to choose a fixed percentage fee. This fee is usually less than 33 percent. Some law firms offer a sliding scale, but a percentage of the total will depend on the amount of the recovery. This fee arrangement is also ideal if your injury case is complicated and your attorney is unable to negotiate a fixed amount of money. In this situation, the lawyer would charge less than the standard 33 percent.
