How to Choose Your Personal Injury Lawyer

Following a personal injury of any size or scope, you’re entitled to seek compensation and justice. Although sometimes you can easily settle out of court when you file with the other party’s insurance company, this isn’t always the case. 

In addition to insurance companies using tactics like delaying a case, not being willing to negotiate, trying to pin liability onto you/not admitting fault, etc., the insurance company may also not offer you an adequate settlement. 

When these issues arise, having a personal injury lawyer on your side can greatly even the odds. However, there are some careful considerations to make before choosing a personal injury lawyer. 

A Lawyer with the Right Experience

You’ll want to choose a lawyer who has plenty of experience and who remains studious. Although the law is much older than say robotics, there are still changes made each year. Having a lawyer who keeps up-to-date on any law changes–no matter how small or large–should always be a priority. 

You’ll also want a lawyer who has the right kind of experience. Personal injury law encompasses wide areas. While a potential lawyer might have ample experience dealing with car accidents, they may only have had a handful of cases dealing with dog bites. Even if a lot of the principles are the same, you should opt for a lawyer with specialized experience and who has worked on similar cases as yours. 

Another example of choosing a lawyer with the right experience includes who’s liable. Sometimes a personal injury is caused by an individual. Other times it might be a company or even a government body. 

Ask for References 

To determine if a lawyer is the right choice, try to get references. When possible, you’ll want to gain references that’ll point in the direction of a lawyer. Once you’ve started talking with potential lawyers, you’ll also want references from them. Their references may include satisfied clients and/or colleagues. 

A Lawyer with Enough Time 

Lawyers can be busy and unfortunately resolving a personal injury case can take a lot of time. While bruised or broken arm might only require legal assistance for a month or two, more severe injuries might require legal aid for a year or more. You’ll want to make sure your lawyer has enough time to devote to your case. 

How Does Their Payment Work? 

In the case of a personal injury case, payment is often structured upon a contingency fee. This means that the lawyer covers all upfront costs and is paid a percentage of the final settlement/court award. 

Do You and Your Lawyer Get Along? 

You and your lawyer don’t have to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but you should at least be comfortable around your lawyer and can easily communicate. You’ll also want a lawyer who understands specifically your desired outcome and who will be determined to help your reach it. 

These are just some of the traits/considerations to have in mind before choosing a personal injury lawyer. Our friends at Therman Law Offices, LTD has a team of lawyers eager to help.