Personal injury cases can get very complicated depending on the severity of the victims’ injuries and the number of negligent parties involved in the case. When the personal injury cases are straightforward with only one negligent party even then the matter can get quite complex due to the insurers and the other lawyers involved in the case.
So, it is important to hire a personal injury lawyer with due consideration. Your lawyer should be able to get you the compensation you deserve.
Here are the things to know before hiring a personal injury lawyer.
Is the lawyer experienced?
It is best to hire experienced lawyers only when it comes to personal injury cases. If you want the best personal injury lawyer in Chicago (if this is your location) then you need to first consider his or her experience in handling different types of personal injury cases. Your lawyer will need to have a substantial amount of experience in handling cases in your local area. Laws related to personal injury differ from one state to another. So, local knowledge and experience are extremely important to have on your lawyer’s part.
All the civil cases do not go to trial. Most such cases are negotiated between parties away from the courtroom. But would you want to take that chance? When negotiations fail, you will need an experienced lawyer who is willing to go to trial and win the case.
So, check the websites of lawyers before scheduling a consulting session with them. Read about the cases they have dealt with and won as mentioned on their websites.
Is the firm reputable?
Reading through online reviews can help you get some clarity on the reputation of a lawyer or law firm. You can also check the testimonials by their previous clients if present on their websites. A bit of online research can help you get a clear idea about the firm’s reputation.
Also, read about the lawyers on their websites. Check information about their education, voluntary work, awards, and recognition.
Is the lawyer ready and available to take on your case?
There is no point in hiring a lawyer if he or she cannot devote proper time to your case. The expert capabilities of a lawyer do not matter if he or she is simply too busy to give your case the attention it deserves.
For this reason, reputable firms have other experienced attorneys who also take on the cases and help with caseloads. There are legal associates who help the senior lawyers with their cases. So, the point comes to this – how comfortable are you with another lawyer at the firm handling the case if your preferred attorney is not available?
So, check with the lawyers beforehand as to who will take on your case at their firm. Then, accordingly, make your hiring decision.
What are the costs of hiring a lawyer?
Personal injury lawyers charge a contingency fee, which will be a percentage of your compensation amount. If you do not win anything, your lawyer may not charge the fee. But there can be other costs involved in filing and fighting the case. So, ask about them beforehand.
Your lawyer may hire experts to help with your case. So, there may be charges involved in such instances. Filing the case in court may involve some fees. Costs may be incurred in the process of gathering evidence and information to aid the case. There could be some administrative costs too.
It is important that you ask the lawyer about all potential expenses and also about the percentage of the compensation they charge.
How do the chances of winning the compensation look?
It is best to ask the lawyer this question straightforward. You need to know if you really have a case. Can they try to get you the compensation you deserve based on your injuries, loss of income, current medical bills, and expenses involved in your future treatments? Reputed lawyers will provide you with a clear picture of the case. They will offer you a realistic view of the compensation they can try to win for you. Experienced lawyers are most likely to take on your case and try to get you the highest compensation possible.
