ESPANOL
If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to another party’s negligence, you might be asking yourself what to look for when hiring a personal injury attorney. You need to hire a personal injury lawyer who understands the law and can give you the best chance of receiving fair compensation. Your lawyer can fight for a fair settlement offer.
If you’ve ever tried hiring a personal injury lawyer, you may have noticed there are many options out there. There are so many attorneys available in the United States, and it may be challenging to pick the right one.
Understand the Attorney’s Level of Experience Handling Your Type of Case
“Personal injury” is an umbrella term that includes different cases, including:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home neglect
- Car accidents
- Products liability
- Assaults
Experience is crucial. You don’t want to hire a lawyer who will use your personal injury case as a learning experience. A lawyer who has handled other personal injury cases similar to yours can benefit you.
For instance, if your injuries result from a car crash, look for an attorney who handles vehicle accidents. When you lose a family member due to another person’s negligence, look for a wrongful death lawyer. Choose a lawyer who limits his law practice to cases similar to yours.
Consider the Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Make sure you discuss the attorney’s fees and costs structure and the billing policy before signing an agreement. Most attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This means when you hire a lawyer, you agree to pay them a percentage of the final settlement if they win your case. You don’t owe the lawyer any money if they don’t recover compensation.*
However, costs and lawyer’s fees are not the same. Costs are the expenses related to your case, and they include:
- Deposition fees
- Expert witness fees
- Travel expenses
- Copy and postage costs
- Court fees
Some lawyers ask their clients to pay an upfront lump sum fee or costly fees by the hour until the end. This can add up to a lot of money. We know you are likely under financial stress, so we do not ask this of you. We will go over what you would owe us at the beginning of the case, so you are never surprised at the end.
Know the Percentage of the Cases Won Inside and Outside the Courtroom
The American Bar Association confirms that most personal injury cases settle out of the courtroom. The parties might negotiate and settle. But, in other cases, the parties might take the case to trial. This can happen when the insurer doesn’t settle or when the victim’s lawyer advises the victim to pursue a lawsuit instead of a claim.
Your lawyer will be able to support you in insurance negotiations and at court, presenting your case. We are prepared for whatever path your case takes.
Be sure to ask your attorney about their success in the courtroom. During your initial consultation, ask for specific statistics for cases that have been settled and cases that go to trial. Ask about the possible amount they could recover for you as well.
Effective Communication and Listening Skills Are Crucial
Excellent communication and listening skills are significant factors to keep in mind when seeking a lawyer. An attorney must provide you with the information you need in a way that you understand. Your lawyer should make themselves available to you and ensure you know your rights and options.
Learn about your lawyer’s communication style and agree on how they should reach out to you about updates. Your team should address your concerns and answer your questions. They should never leave you in the dark.
Effective listening also benefits you when the attorney interviews witnesses. The lawyer asks questions and listens to the entire response. This attribute allows the attorney to follow up with questions leading to valuable evidence.
Looking to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer? Contact Us Today!
At George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers, we offer a free consultation to Georgia & South Carolina accident victims. We understand that having someone to provide support and guidance through a difficult period can be comforting as you heal from your accident injuries. Finding the right lawyer doesn’t need to be stressful if you know what to look for.
Contact us today for a free case review. Our personal injury team can answer questions and talk to you about your next steps. If you or a loved one suffered injuries due to someone’s negligence, our attorneys could help you get justice. Reach out to us for a free consultation.