Have you been involved in an on-the-job accident? Are you considering how you can best find a good personal injury attorney?
The right lawyer won’t leave you guessing as to whether or not they’re qualified to handle your case. They will have all of the knowledge and experience necessary to help you get the remuneration you need to pay your medical bills and move on with your life.
What are the qualities of a good lawyer?
Let’s take a look.
1. Experience With Personal Injury Law
You’ll want to be certain that your lawyer is experienced in the field of personal injury before you hire them.
Many lawyers, such as Jonathan R. Brockman P.C., have information on their websites about the types of cases they are most used to representing clients in. You can also find out about your lawyer’s experience by asking a lot of questions.
Ask prospective lawyers what percentage of their caseload is devoted to personal injury law. Do they work mostly with those who have been injured, or do they also represent employers or insurance companies?
You’ll also want to find out about your lawyer’s outcomes in personal injury cases. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations, which give you a chance to find out about their qualifications and success rates.
Ask prospective lawyers to tell you about a case like yours which they won. What was their strategy? How might they be able to represent you in a similar way?
The right lawyer for you will not have limited experience in personal injury. You’ll want someone who has years of representing cases like yours with outstanding results.
2. Educated in Their Field
The right personal injury attorney will be qualified to practice law in your area. They will need to be members of your state bar, as well as the American Bar Association. You can check online to see if your lawyer is registered to practice in your state.
Your lawyer may also be a member of other local legal associations or city councils. Look for an attorney who gets involved in helping your community a better place. This demonstrates a commitment to the law that extends beyond earning a paycheck.
3. Recommended by Former Clients
Let’s face it. Dealing with personal injury is not an easy time for anybody.
You may be looking at ongoing medical bills for the physical and psychological damage that you suffered as a result of your injury. And you may be dealing with a loss of wages needed to support your family as a result.
It’s critical that you choose the right lawyer so you get the funds you need to help you get back on your feet. Your friends and family may be able to recommend someone who was a source of hope and support throughout this time. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about their experience.
Did the lawyer win their case? Were all of their communications respectful and professional? Were there any unexpected fees along the way?
If no one you know can recommend someone, look online for local lawyers and read reviews to get an idea of former clients’ experiences. You can also call prospective attorneys and ask them for at least three references who can attest to their positive experiences.
Remember that a local attorney is usually the best way to go. These professionals will have knowledge of your local laws and regulations that those outside your area won’t have.
Call the references up and ask detailed questions. This will give you increased confidence when you make a final decision about who represents your case.
4. Fair Fees
Before making a decision about a lawyer, get at least three estimates as to expected fees for your case. Make sure that the rate your lawyer is going to charge you is reasonable for your specific case and geographical area.
Some attorneys, for example, may charge an hourly rate. Others may charge a percentage of what you win and extra fees for additional services.
Make sure that you get your lawyer’s fees in writing before you make a final decision. Your attorney should be able to provide you with a clear outline of their pay schedule. A professional won’t surprise you with any unexpected costs after you’ve hired them.
5. Transparency
You probably shouldn’t be trusting a lawyer who tells you only positive things about your case. The right attorney will inform you about possible weaknesses in your argument, as well as letting you know how they can get addressed.
You’ll want to know that your lawyer takes an honest, ethical view of your case, and is looking to secure reasonable remuneration for the damages you’ve suffered. Don’t trust someone who is looking only to flatter you or makes unrealistic promises.
6. Commitment to Your Case
The right attorney will take your situation seriously and be looking for more than just their fee. They will advocate strongly for you even if your case is somewhat challenging.
When you’re searching for lawyers, don’t settle for someone who doesn’t seem earnestly committed to helping you win. They should see the importance of getting you the funds you need so you can get back on your feet and on with your life.
What Are the Qualities of a Good Lawyer?
What are the qualities of a good lawyer? The right attorney will come highly recommended and have experience in personal injury law. You’ll want to be certain that they are sincerely committed to winning your case.
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