If we subscribe to Murphy’s Law, we know that things could go south unexpectedly. You could walk down the street and break your back by slipping and falling. Situations like this happen all the time but, more often than not, they are caused by someone else’s failure to exercise due care and protect others around them.
You’re well within your right to demand just compensation for injuries indirectly caused by a liable party. It’s only a matter of getting your facts straight and gathering enough evidence to build a case that’s too perfect to fail. All it takes is getting a seasoned personal injury lawyer who can walk you through the process and provide you with the payout you deserve.
1. Consider the type of personal injury you’re handling
When it comes to filing a personal injury claim, your first impulse is to look up attorneys who specialize in the field. Personal injury cases are broad, from slip-and-fall to asbestos to talc exposure. While it’s always advisable to get a lawyer who has experience in personal injury cases, you still need to narrow down your choice to a few professionals specializing in your unique case. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a motorbike, you don’t need a general auto accident lawyer by your side. You need a lawyer who has experience filing and winning motorcycle accident claims.
2. Check for credentials, qualifications, and networks
No personal injury lawyer is allowed to practice without passing the bar and obtaining a license. Then again, not all licensed practitioners are trained for success. There’s a good chance that you would end up hiring someone who not only lacks an excellent academic record but also falls short of winning cases on behalf of their previous clients.
Consider where the lawyer got his legal training from and if they’re undergoing continuing education in the legal industry. It also matters if a lawyer is equipped with contacts across a wide range of industries to help you with your case. If you’re filing a claim for asbestos exposure, choose a lawyer who has a mesothelioma specialist on call. You know you’ve found the best person when they can show you more than a diploma and a bar license.
3. Look up their reputation and track record
Don’t think that credentials are your only gauge for measuring a lawyer’s competence and mastery of jurisprudence. You also need to check if they maintain a squeaky-clean record and a good reputation. You wouldn’t want to hire an attorney with a questionable record as indicated by their disciplinary history.
You can run a search on your state’s bar records and check whether they’ve been cited for contempt or for breaking ethical rules. It wouldn’t benefit your case if you unknowingly recruit a bad apple, so spend as much time as you need to conduct due diligence when looking up a personal injury attorney.
4. Ask around and listen to feedback
To finalize your choice, you need to listen to what previous clients will have to say about the personal injury attorney you’re opting to hire. You need an objective source of information to come up with a well-informed decision before you get them on board. Consider reaching out to people who worked with the lawyer before and ask about their competence and professionalism. Ask about the high and low points of their relationship as clients, particularly the good and the bad of their work ethic.
Endnote
For your personal injury case to prosper, never opt for a lawyer who is only good enough. Maximize your courtroom victory by getting an expert who can deliver the best possible outcomes.